The storyline was pretty good - problem solving with friends and family. I wasn't a fan of the art style, especially the font used for the speech bubbles. As a whole, it felt very "blocky" and stiff. Middle-grade girls may enjoy this series, especially if they are looking for representation in their books. Curlfriends does a great job of being inclusive.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Publication date October 7, 2025.

I got an ARC of this book.

This book felt a touch more serious than the first one. It was a wonderful jump forward for the Curlfriends. It allowed them to grow up a bit from the last story and face something that might be something extra painful to struggle with. Facing a new school is hard, but feeling like you are losing your mom and your home might just be a bit bigger.

Nola is really close with her mom and actually likes vegetables. So right off the bat, we are drastically differnet people. But she worries and she worries hard. She is used to having big talks with her mom and them being incredibly close, but now that her mom is hiding things from her, she can’t stop worrying. Her anxiety destroys her focus in school, makes her forget her homework, and even has issues dancing.

This anxiety is not the only plot. There is also the worry and stress around entering the school talent show. Kids face many struggles at once, not just one. So Miller showing that life is continuing while Nola is panicking made the story have so much more depth.

I loved that the solution was based in community and support, instead of toughing it out. It focused on how friends care and how the community you build is important. Blood family is not all that matters. I was just so excited by the whole ending of the book. It was a little over the top and too good to be true, but I couldn’t have handled if the family situation wasn’t handled like this. The winning the talent show was a given, I would have loved them to take second and be like “next year, we will win!” and bond over their love of doing things together. I am glad they won, it just made the ending really sappy for me.

Overall, this was a fantastic read and I am so glad there are more Curlfriend adventures.

Cute graphic novel about how important it is to have a group of friends to lean on when times get hard. Times are getting harder at the salon and her mom is pushing her out when all she wants to do is help. She must learn to not let the downfall affect her and teach her mother to ask for help when things get hard.

I wasn't fond of the plot of the first book in this series, but I do believe Sharee Miller is talented, and I am happy to give her another chance.

The focus shifts this time to another friend in the Curlfriends group, Nola Washington, and I find her story much more engaging. She's an upbeat problem solver and is ready to prove it to her friends by helping them prepare a dance routine for their middle school's talent show. But not all problems are so easily tackled. Her single mother's hair salon is struggling, and Nola is starting to unravel from the uncertainty and lack of communication brought on by all the stress.

The ensuing little moments of family and friendship drama are well-paced and lead to a satisfactory conclusion.


Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.

It is a beautifully written book wrapped inside expressive illustrations. This installment upscaled the anticipation for future works because it was such a cosy and calm read.

A wonderful sequel in a wonderful series! This book specially focused on Nola, one of the Curlfriends jn New In Town. I love the strength of the relationships amongst the friends and between Nola and her mother. This book features strong themes around friendship, family, community, and communication.

I’m so excited to get this book in my classroom library. I bought New in Town as soon as it came out (I’ve followed the author on instagram for a while), and so many of my students begged for more books in the series when they finished it. I’m glad to have this wonderful sequel to join the shelf.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a sweet graphic novel and I think my students will enjoy reading about these Curlfriends again!

I've been waiting with anticipation for the follow up to Curlfriends, which is a wonderful middle-grade graphic novel that focuses on friendship and being true to one's self. Back in Business did not disappoint! This time, the story unfolds from Nola's point of view as she works to save her family's hair salon. I really love the messaging about pouring into your community, asking for help, and accepting support.

Curlfriends is back! This beautifully illustrated graphic novel tells the story of a group of middle school friends who uplift and support one another. I truly appreciate the themes presented in Book 2, such as the importance of community, maintaining family legacies, healthy communication between parents and children, and addressing real-life challenges. I can't wait to place Curlfriends: Back in Business next to Curlfriends: New in Town on my bookshelf. I'm also excited about the upcoming installments in the Curlfriends series—my daughter is a huge fan too!

Such a cute book about willingness to serve as well as setting side aside and accepting help. Nola has such a pure heart, ready to help her mom in a time of need and still sho up for her friends. Now, being stressed at such a young age doesn’t help when trying to maintain good straight As, but, one must learn how to balance. I realized this was book 2 of a series so I will be sure to go back and read book 1.

I really liked this book it was inspiring and I would definitely recommend it and I will definitely be reviewing other types of books and graphic novels from this author. Such a great read for adults and children alike

Aww! This was a sweet, uplifting graphic novel about a smart, kind preteen girl named Nola, her three friends participating with her in a talent show, and her mom's struggles running an independently-owned hair salon. A big part of the plot is a realistic conflict between Nola and her mom, but it's handled in a way that makes it clear that the two love each other and are learning how to navigate life's challenges, not in a "adults are all stupid!" kind of way. Nola is a great role model: spunky, confident, ambitious, works hard in school, and cares deeply about her relationships with friends and family. The world of this book is wholesome, full of positivity, and shows a very diverse cast of characters. This would have been a huge hit with my students when I was a school librarian, and I recommend it for any school or public library.

This is a truly fun story about an adorable, smart, and driven middle schooler named Nola, and her relationships with her friends and family. One of the best parts of this book is what an iconic example the main character + others are for young readers. Nola’s good at math, dedicated to everything she sets her mind to, and determined to accomplish her goals. She’s a loyal friend, daughter, and student. Her friend’s dad is a positive male role model, as he’s seen teaching budgeting and taking care of his family. Overall, this installment is an iconic display of black girl magic, hair connecting women through generations, and communities coming together to provide mutual aid. This volume begins with the girls entering into a school talent show, and although Nola and her mother’s world is being rocked by financial troubles, the wholesome community around them comes together to support each other and save the day. The girls win the talent show, and order is restored in their world. This is a wonderful library selection for a variety of reasons, from seeing families finding healthy communication about money struggles, and sharing positive black female characters.