Curlfriends by Sharee Miller Review – Navigating Middle School, Friendship, and Self-Discovery

“Curlfriends” by Sharee Miller is a heartwarming story about a girl named Charlie who moves to a new town and starts school three weeks into the school year. Middle school is tough, but Charlie is determined to make new friends and become the cool girl. Armed with a new wardrobe, she hopes to reinvent herself, but her first day doesn’t go as planned, and she worries that she might be running out of chances to prove herself.

One thing that stood out in the book was the representation of a Black military brat, which is not often seen in stories. Charlie’s experience of being new to school is relatable, especially because she’s not only new in town but also used to moving frequently due to her father’s military service. The author, Sharee Miller, skillfully portrays Charlie’s feelings of being an outsider in a town where her father seems to know everyone.

One notable aspect is the open conversation between Charlie and her father about her struggles. It’s evident that Charlie finds it challenging to connect with her father, who is not always around due to his military duties. These scenes are well-crafted, offering a realistic portrayal of the complexities of parent-child relationships during such transitions. The characters in “Curlfriends” feel like real tween girls, with relatable interests such as fashion, boba, and navigating their first crushes. The story provides a refreshing perspective by featuring Black girls dealing with everyday challenges that girls typically go through. It’s a light-hearted narrative that addresses real issues, making it an enjoyable read.

The book serves as a great kickoff to a new series, promising more engaging stories to come. Overall, Sharee Miller’s “Curlfriends” is a delightful and relatable tale that will resonate with readers, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of friendship, self-discovery, and the ups and downs of middle school life.