If I could give "Mixed-Up" by Kami Garcia ten stars, I would!

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jennifer Holm, this middle grade graphic novel is honest, realistic, and incredibly heart-felt. The author's personal experience with dyslexia and neurodivergence will only make this story more appealing to middle grade readers and graphic novel fans alike. The main character, Stella, faces many challenges throughout the story, but ultimately learns that everyone's magic works a little differently. I thought it was particularly touching when Stella entered her 5th grade "Young Authors Competition" with a graphic novel, instead of a traditional story like everyone else. Another wonderful touch is the use of a dyslexic font to make the book more accessible to readers who will identify with Stella and her journey.

I know that so many of my students/readers will see themselves and their journey represented in these pages, and I can't wait to see the impact this story will have on them! This book also gives readers who haven't faced these challenges a realistic glimpse into what many of their peers experience. This is a must-purchase for upper elementary and middle school libraries and classrooms.

Thank you to Netgalley and First Second books for the digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a touching graphic novel for young readers about the experience of living with and being diagnosed with dyslexia. I haven't come across many books about this for kids, especially not in the graphic novel form, so I was so excited to see this. The story is great, great execution, and the font looks like 'dyslexie' (a font specifically designed to be more accessible to people living with dyslexia), or something very similar as the letter shapes are clearly defined and more spaced apart.

I shared the news of this upcoming release with a grandma caring for a grandchild with dyslexia and she was thrilled to hear about the representation and couldn't wait to get the book for her grandson.

Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think this is a well-written book for elementary age. Students struggling with being different. Dyslexia can be very confusing for children of that age and this book seems to make it a little more approachable and understandable. I like that. It also has a group of kids obsessed with the new game/tv series because we all know that children that age have obsessions just like this so it makes it completely relatable.

Solid middle grade graphic novel that needs to be in school libraries.

Stella is beginning fifth grade and is very excited that her two best friends are in her class AND they were placed in the most popular teacher's classroom. She and her friends look forward to conquering fifth grade year and the release of a new game based on their favorite gaming characters, "The Witchlins." The game is marketed as the best ever and has a large manual to guide players through each level. This becomes a problem for Stella, as the words on the page get mixed up and she cannot keep up with her friends. She ultimately begins making excuses of not liking the game and distances herself from her friends.

Kami Garcia, author, leans on personal experiences with dyslexia and neurodivergence which results in a very real story of issues that affect middle grade students, their achievement in school and their friendships. I hope to see this one on state readers award lists, and will be recommending it to fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jennifer Holm.

While I really enjoyed this graphic novel's tackling of dyslexia and it's impact on self-esteem and friendships, I really wish it wasn't explicitly stated that the Stella is in fifth grade. I'll have a difficult time convincing my middle school 6-8th graders to pick this one up because of the age of the protagonist, yet I feel the story itself is quite relevant. However, wonderful artwork and great cover, along with known author Kami Garcia will help me in this struggle.