Description:
In this hilarious, illustrated, middle-grade novel, Hangameh "Harriet" Mansoor faces bullies, bad grades, AND puberty. Will she survive the worst month of her eleven-year-old life?
Brief description:
Dr. Haleh Massey has blossomed from an awkward teenager to an awkward mother. She is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist with almost two decades of experience working with children and their families. She met the love of her life at a nonprofit agency in the big city, then returned to the suburbs where she and her husband run a private practice and are awkwardly raising two amazing children. When she's not working, Dr. Massey enjoys vacuuming and eating turkey sandwiches. You can visit her at drhalehmassey.com.
Review Quotes:
"Massey gives this semi-autobiographical tale life and humor through Harriet's unabashed inner voice.... A great story from an author who knows firsthand about growing up Iranian on U.S. soil." -- Booklist
"This well-paced laugh-out-loud narrative is rich in food references, cultural tensions, Farsi expressions, and meddling relatives. The story thoughtfully explores Harriet's longing to fit in when her family customs make her stand out.... A funny, heartfelt tale of cultural expectations, belonging, and speaking up for yourself." -- Kirkus Reviews
"An exploration of culture, fitting in, and coming of age with well-developed characters and situations, and with wit woven into the struggles of a determined sixth grader." -- School Library Journal
OMG: Only for Middle Graders List 2026 - The Children's Book Council & Ingram Library Services