Do-over

In this upbeat graphic novel, Maru is trying to adjust to her family's recent move from California to Ohio. Her papa, a barbershop owner, and the rest of her Peruvian American family are caring and supportive, but she struggles to communicate openly with others (thought bubbles often reveal her true thoughts and feelings), and she's mourning her mother's death. After meeting outgoing middle school classmates Everly and Zoe, Maru seizes the opportunity to make new friends. Spurred by Zoe's invention of a natural hair dye and bolstered by Everly's creative hairstyling skills, the entrepreneurial trio transforms an old RV (with the help of Maru's abuela and tio) into a salon. Just as each of their strengths contributes to their success, their respective faults lead to conflict, threatening their friendship and business, but an empathic resolution deepens the characterization of these relatable tweens. Bilingual Maru communicates in Spanish and English with friends and family throughout. Bold, rounded outlines are enlivened by recurring tints of pink, purple, and teal, to represent the individuality of each girl. Sure to win over fans of the PAWS (Gabby Gets It Together, rev. 3/22) and Peapod Farm (7Stepping Stones, rev. 5/20) graphic-novel series. (c) Copyright 2024. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A cross-country move from California to Ohio leaves Peruvian American Mariana Gutiérrez anxious about starting over and uncertain where she fits in. Following the death of Mariana's mother, her barber father, Carlos, decides they should relocate in a bid to be closer to extended family. Life is a struggle for Mariana after the move--she misses her old friends but vows to make new ones if she can only overcome her nerves. When inquisitive, artistic classmates Zoe and Everly stop by Carlos' shop to try selling the natural hair dye they invented, Mariana gets her chance. Before long, the trio find themselves working to build their own hairstyling business with the help of Mariana's abuela and tío. Misunderstandings occur between multiple characters, often resulting from a lack of communication or listening. Mariana, in particular, maintains her guard around others, including her father. As well as sympathetic human frailty, the characters model growth, empathy, and patience in their interactions. Many panels utilize clean, bright, color-blocked backgrounds that reflect the girls' infectious enthusiasm, while creative techniques are used to direct focus: The foreground is blurred, panels are broken or borderless, and tertiary pop-art coloring is used. Spanish is sprinkled throughout. Everly is Black, Zoe presents as White, and there is racial diversity among the background characters. Touching in its vibrant and earnest depiction of vulnerability and being true to who you are. (Graphic fiction. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.