Subsequent month, First Second Books will launch Frizzy, a brand new center grade graphic novel from author Claribel A. Ortega and artist Rose Bousamra. The e book follows a younger Latinx woman torn between her mom, who desires her to straighten her hair, and her personal need to embrace her naturally curly hair. Immediately The Beat is happy to current an unique take a look at an excerpt from the graphic novel.
Right here’s how First Second describes Frizzy:
Marlene loves three issues: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out together with her finest good friend Camila. However in keeping with her mom, Paola, the one factor she must give attention to is college and “rising up.” Which means straightening her hair each weekend so she may have “presentable”, “good hair”.
However Marlene hates being within the salon and doesn’t perceive why her curls usually are not thought of fairly by these round her. With a couple of hiccups, a touch of embarrassment, and the much-needed assist of Camila and Tia Ruby—she slowly begins a journey to be taught to understand and proudly put on her curly hair.
Frizzy is the primary comics work for New York Occasions bestselling writer Claribel A. Ortega, whose prose novels embody Ghost Squad and Witchlings. It’s additionally the primary graphic novel for cartoonist Rose Bousamra, who has one other e book, Gutless, which they’re writing and illustrating themself, coming from First Second in 2025.
Try the unique eleven-page excerpt of Frizzy beneath. The graphic novel will likely be accessible in hardcover and softcover editions on Tuesday, October 18th.
