Mixed Feelings: A Graphic Novel

by Amini, Sara; Amin, Shadia

• ISBN13: 9781338797398
• ISBN10: 1338797395
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2026-03-03
• Publisher: Graphix

Summary

Through a mix of humor and heart, this charming middle grade graphic memoir explores evolving friendships, puberty mishaps, and finding a place to belong. Perfect for fans of Real Friends, The New Girl, and Pizza Face.

Things are getting hairy!

When Sara wakes for the first day of sixth grade, she's horrified by the sight of fuzzy black hair sprouting from her legs -- and her parents won't let her shave! Being mixed race, Sara's been unsettled in her own skin (now buried under leg hair), never really feeling like she belongs anywhere. To add to the confusion, her best friend, Monica, is suddenly spending every second of the day with Aneliese, making Sara wonder if she belongs there, either.

Navigating friendships, school, and bodily changes starts to get overwhelming, but Sara finds comfort in TV -- whether she's watching it, performing her favorite scenes, or imagining her life is a show itself. So when she joins drama club, Sara feels like she's finally discovered a community where she can be anything she wants, including herself. But with Monica and Aneliese joining the club, too, will Sara lose her new sense of belonging?

Author Biography

Sara Amini is an Iranian-Colombian actress and writer, whose work spans television, film, commercials, video games, and animation. Originally from Houston, Texas, Sara now lives in Los Angeles, California. Mixed Feelings is her graphic novel debut. Learn more about what Sara's up to at saraamini.com.

Shadia Amin is a Colombian cartoonist and illustrator based in Savannah, Georgia. She graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a bachelor's degree in sequential art, minoring in illustration. She later earned her master's degree in sequential art, also from SCAD. Her art aims to capture the fun of superheroes, fantasy, and life itself, and her works include Shiny Misfits, Spider-Ham, Aggretsuko, and Olive & Popeye. She has also contributed to anthologies like Alloy: Electrum and Votes for Women: The Battle for the 19th Amendment. Shadia is also a teacher, and when she is not working, she can be found cooking, playing video games, or spending time with her husband, dogs, and cat. Find her online at shadiaminart.com.