Description: In this pitch-perfect conclusion to the Mixed Feelings series, global affairs compel Sara to conceal a significant part of her identity. Perfect for fans of The Tryout, The New Girl, and Fruitcake.
Gotta keep it real!
What's the most difficult part of eighth grade?
A: You dye your hair. Terribly.
B: Your friends catch you in a lie and grill you about it.
C: Your parents don't support your dreams.
D: HOLD UP -- IT GETS WORSE?!
It's September of 2001. Eighth grade is in full swing, and the year is starting off strong. But then it happens. No, not Sara's fourteenth birthday on September 12 -- the day before, when everything changes.
As a Middle Eastern girl in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Sara is feeling like an outsider and she's desperate to conceal her Iranian background to fit in. She lies to her closest friends and classmates, dyes her hair blonde (with disastrous results!), and grows distant from her Iranian-born dad. But as hard as Sara tries to hide her identity, a new friend sees the real Sara and challenges her to embrace her true self -- every part of her.
In this final installment of the Mixed Feelings series, Amini uses her signature style of humor and heart to share her most vulnerable story yet.
Review Quotes:
Praise for Mixed Feelings:
★ "This semi-autobiographical graphic novel celebrates differences and shared experiences, delivering everything that young readers need right now... A wholesome, heartwarming, and authentic look at a multicultural family and community, filled with relatable struggles of puberty, changing friendships, and reminders to readers of the importance of honest communication, arts programs, and finding your people." -- Booklist, starred review
★ "A hilarious, honest exploration of friendship and identity... A funny and poignant graphic memoir, this is a must-buy for every library." -- School Library Journal, starred review
★ "With a grounded, friendly color palette, this graphic novel is a touching look at multiracial identity... This story is sure to be a balm for mixed and first-generation readers alike who are looking to feel seen and understood." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
"A delightful series opener that offers an ideal mix of humor and heart." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Crisp, saturated cartooning by Amin centers character expression and imparts a lighthearted tone across this slice-of-life offering. Abundant pop culture references pave an accessible path along which Amini tackles issues surrounding immigration, racism, xenophobia, and puberty, culminating in a nostalgic and heartwarming trip down memory lane." -- Publishers Weekly
Praise for Mixed Signals:
"An honest portrayal of adolescence... [Amini's] raw honesty and generous doses of humor offer readers the chance to experience growth alongside Sara, even during an era of dial-up internet and landlines. The delightful artwork enhances the story in every way, adding humor and depth to each character's emotions." -- School Library Journal
"An authentic and entertaining sequel that will leave readers eager for more." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Amini and her lovable trilingual family are back in this sequel to her memoir Mixed Feelings (2026), which delves further into the deep, dark realm of puberty, responsibilities, and knowing when to do the right thing... A lesson on drawing boundaries, time management, and above all, being true to yourself." -- Booklist