Is this part of a series or a standalone?

It's the first in a planned series. The 'Curlfriends' world is designed to follow this specific group of girls as they navigate middle school together.

What is the reading level for this book?

It's firmly middle-grade (approx. 4th to 8th grade). Because it's a graphic novel, it's a great 'bridge' book for kids who are capable readers but find dense blocks of text intimidating.

Does it deal with heavy topics like bullying or racism?

It touches on microaggressions and social exclusion, but it handles them in a way that's age-appropriate and focused on character growth rather than trauma. It's more about identity and friendship than 'the struggle.'

My kid doesn't have curly hair—will they still like it?

Definitely. While the cultural specifics are a big part of the book's charm, the core story—being the 'new kid' and trying to find your place—is about as universal as it gets.

Curlfriends: New in Town – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Curlfriends: New in Town

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2023

88%

WISE Score

Charlie is trying to survive the 7th-grade 'fit in at all costs' trap until she finds a crew that actually likes her for her.

Curlfriends: New in Town

book

2023

88%

WISE Score

Charlie is trying to survive the 7th-grade 'fit in at all costs' trap until she finds a crew that actually likes her for her.

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Where to Read

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.

Screenwise Verdict

A sharp, vibrant graphic novel that handles the 'new kid' trope with genuine heart. It avoids the preachy trap and instead offers a mirror for kids who feel the exhausting pressure to perform for their peers.

If your kid is navigating the shift from elementary to middle school, this is a great pick. It’s safe, smart, and looks great on the page.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 9-13 range. It specifically targets that 'newly minted middle schooler' window where social anxiety is at its peak.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models healthy, supportive female friendships and emphasizes the value of being yourself over social climbing.

Imaginative

While it's contemporary realism, the graphic novel format allows for expressive visual storytelling and creative character expression through style and hair.

Safe

Standard middle-grade fare from a major publisher; focuses on school life and social dynamics without mature content risks.

Enriching

Strong themes of identity, cultural pride, and navigating the transition to middle school.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Authentic representation of Black girlhood that moves beyond stereotypes to show a diverse range of personalities and interests.
Relatable middle school drama that captures the high-stakes feeling of starting a new school without being overly cynical.
Graphic novel format makes it highly accessible for reluctant readers or kids who prefer visual storytelling.
Positive messaging about hair texture and self-image that feels integrated into the plot rather than forced.

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What to Watch For

Typical middle school social friction, including characters who are initially judgmental or exclusionary.
The protagonist feels significant pressure to code-switch or change her personality, which might hit home for kids feeling similar school stress.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt like you had to act like a different person just to fit in with a new group?"
"What makes Charlie's new friends different from the people she was trying to impress at first?"
"Why is it sometimes scary to show people the 'real' you when you're starting something new?"
"How do the girls in the book support each other when things get tough at school?"

Deep Dive

Finding Your Crew

Middle school is a special kind of gauntlet, and Curlfriends: New in Town captures that specific brand of 7th-grade anxiety perfectly. Charlie isn't a superhero; she's just a kid who wants to not be lonely at her new school. The story follows her as she realizes that the 'cool' kids she's chasing aren't actually her people.

What makes this work is the specific focus on Black girlhood. The title isn't just a pun—it's a nod to the shared experiences, hair care rituals, and cultural identity that bond these girls together. It’s the kind of representation that feels lived-in.

For parents, it’s a low-stress recommendation. There’s no hidden 'edginess' here. It’s a story about learning that authenticity is a better social strategy than imitation. If your kid liked New Kid by Jerry Craft or the Real Friends series by Shannon Hale, this will be right up their alley. It’s a fast read, but the conversations it can spark about peer pressure and self-image have some real staying power.

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