I found two amazing juvenile graphic novels dealing with identity issues, the kinds that feel so insurmountable when you're eleven as the protagonists of Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino's Besties Find Their Groove and Claribel A. Ortega's Frizzy are.
Beth and Chanda, Miller and Canino's protagonists, are elated when they learn about a middle school formal dance, all ready to pick out the perfect outfits and dazzle their peers. But things turn out to be complicated. Chanda is unable to get a date despite some decidedly creative attempts. It doesn't help that her perfect older sister, Amaya, had a date for every dance. Meanwhile Beth, who is chubby, can't find anything that fits and flatters.
It shouldn't be so hard to have fun.
When we meet Marlene, Ortega's protagonist, she is not a happy camper. It's bad enough that she has to spend time every weekend in a salon getting her hair torturosely straightened by beautician Gleny. This week she has to make an extra visit so she can look presentable for her perfect cousin, Diana's quinceanera.
In her mother's words, "The whole family will be there, Marlene. We have to make a good impression. There will be pictures! Lots of pictures."
It's not just her mom. Her whole family judges members on whether they have good (straight) or bad (curly) hair. Needless to say Diana has perfect hair. She looks like a freaking Barbie doll.
And it's not just the salon. Now Marlene isn't supposed to play rough, get dirty, or work up a sweat--do anything that might make her hair frizz.
Marlene wonders if her looks are all that matter to her mother. She just wants to be loved for her real self.
Rose Bousamra's illustrations really help the narrative come to life. She captures nuances of emotion and interaction superbly.
Both books are really good purchases for school and public libraries.
On a purrrsonal note, today I helped the Student Wellness office put on Fresh Check. Colleges across the country put on these events. The purpose is to let students who might feel serious despair know that suicide is not the answer and they are not alone and to help all students cultivate resources and resilience. We had a good turnout of engaged and appreciative students. (Jules)
People kept telling her what a great job she did in the drag show. My celebrity. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to all participants, Student Wellness people for all the hard work they put in, and Channel 5 News for excellent coverage.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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