* Initial Reactions:
* Many kids laugh at her new haircut, calling it ugly and making fun of her appearance.
* Some kids are openly cruel, using the haircut as another way to bully and tease her.
* Her friends, like Sweets, try to be supportive, but even they struggle to find positive things to say at first.
* Internal Feelings:
* Maleeka is initially proud of her new hairstyle.
* As she faces mockery, she becomes self-conscious and starts to hate her hair.
* She questions her decision and feels embarrassed and ashamed.
* Positive Change:
* Through the course of the novel, Maleeka grows more confident, and eventually, she learns to embrace her appearance.
* As her confidence grows, the opinions of others matter less to her.
In essence, Maleeka's new haircut becomes another reason for her peers to bully her, highlighting the themes of self-esteem and acceptance in the novel.