After the RV they’ve been using for their natural hair dye salon breaks down, friends Everly, Zoe, and Mariana start the True Colors Style Club at school. The school’s club fair provides an excellent opportunity to recruit members—but it also reminds Zoe of how much she used to enjoy playing soccer. When she tries out for and makes the team, fellow player Gabby pressures Zoe to focus on sports and “take a break from the hair stuff.” Now that Zoe has more responsibilities to juggle, she has to find a way to be there for her old friends, her new teammates, and herself. This sequel delivers with its relatability: The characters, this time with Zoe in the forefront, navigate peer pressure, over-committing, burnout, and trying to please others. Vargas clearly and empathetically explores the unexpected fallout of well-intentioned actions, realistically presenting the nuances of everyday middle school issues like navigating shifting relationships and interests. Yovaniniz’s inviting artwork adds charm through its softly curved lines and buoyant pops of color. Readers will enjoy reuniting with the appealing and diverse cast: Zoe presents white, Gabby reads Black, the first volume established Mariana as Peruvian American, and Gabby has brown skin and wavy black hair.
