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Mixed-Up
New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia has returned with a middle grade graphic novel about the struggles of a game-loving girl who gets diagnosed with dyslexia and her loving support network that help her along in the journey.
When reading isn’t as easy as ABC…
Stella knows fifth grade will be the best year ever. Her closest friends, Emiko and Latasha, are in her class and they all got the teacher they wanted. Then their favorite television show, Witchlins, announces a new guidebook and an online game!
But when the classwork starts piling up, Stella struggles to stay on top. Why does it take her so long to read? And how can she keep up with friends in the Witchlins game if she can’t get through the text-heavy guidebook?] And when she can’t deal with the text-heavy Witchlins guidebook, she can’t keep up with her friends in the game. It takes loving teachers and her family to recognize that Stella has a learning difference, and after a dyslexia diagnosis she gets the support and tools she needs to succeed.
Bestselling author Kami Garcia was inspired to write this special book by her daughter’s dyslexia journey; her own neurodivergent experience; and the many students she taught over the years. Mixed-Up shows that our differences don’t need to separate us.
When reading isn’t as easy as ABC…
Stella knows fifth grade will be the best year ever. Her closest friends, Emiko and Latasha, are in her class and they all got the teacher they wanted. Then their favorite television show, Witchlins, announces a new guidebook and an online game!
But when the classwork starts piling up, Stella struggles to stay on top. Why does it take her so long to read? And how can she keep up with friends in the Witchlins game if she can’t get through the text-heavy guidebook?] And when she can’t deal with the text-heavy Witchlins guidebook, she can’t keep up with her friends in the game. It takes loving teachers and her family to recognize that Stella has a learning difference, and after a dyslexia diagnosis she gets the support and tools she needs to succeed.
Bestselling author Kami Garcia was inspired to write this special book by her daughter’s dyslexia journey; her own neurodivergent experience; and the many students she taught over the years. Mixed-Up shows that our differences don’t need to separate us.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2025
19 people are currently reading
3783 people want to read
About the author
Kami Garcia
111 books17.4k followersKami Garcia is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author. She is the coauthor of the BEAUTIFUL CREATURES series, which has been published in 51 countries and 37 languages, with over 10 million copies in print. In 2013, Beautiful Creatures released as a feature film from Warner Brothers. Kami is a cofounder of the YALLFEST kid lit book festival and the author of five solo novels, including her Bram Stoker Award-nominated novels Unbreakable and Unmarked (THE LEGION series) and The X-Files Origins: Agent of Chaos. Kami’s first graphic novel Teen Titans: Raven, with artist Gabriel Picolo, is the first book in her TEEN TITANS series for DC Comics and the adult series JOKER/HARLEY: CRIMINAL SANITY, from DC Black Label.
Find Kami online at kamigarcia.com, on Facebook @KamiGarciaYA, and on Twitter and Instagram @KamiGarcia.
Find Kami online at kamigarcia.com, on Facebook @KamiGarciaYA, and on Twitter and Instagram @KamiGarcia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
March 14, 2025
A very cute middle grade graphic novel about a young girl with dyslexia. I think a lot of young readers will relate to this story.
February 16, 2025
What a great middle grade graphic novel by Kami Garcia. I'm so happy to see that a book like this exists for children who have dyslexia. Please note that Garcia does state in the beginning of the book that it is not meant as means of diagnosing an individual nor does it represent the experience of everyone with dyslexia. It is written in dyslexic friendly font and includes resources in the back. If you're looking for a book that explores what it may be like to be neurodivergent, the ups and downs of being in 5th grade, and the struggles that come with friendships, I would definitely recommend picking this one up.
September 5, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Stella is a fifth grader who is very invested in the television show Witchlins and watches it with her friends. Emiko is a skateboarder, and Latasha is an avid reader whose mother is the school librarian. The three are very excited that there is an online Witchlins game, but when Stella starts playing it, she realizes that it's necessary to consult the gaming manual, which is tremendously dense. She's having enough problems doing all of the reading for her classes, and often finds that she is finishing last, or not finishing at all. Her teacher, Mrs. Marin, is very nice, and does support her. Stella is also wary of the Young Authors project for which Mrs. Marin has assigned all of the students a story to write. Stella can't think of any ideas, although she is constantly doodling and drawing comics. Eventually, there's a meeting with Ms. Lopez, who assesses Stella and determines that she has dyslexia. Stella now works with Mrs. Wukitch, a reading specialist, to get extra help. Mrs. Marin has suggested that Stella do a graphic novel for her story, and Stella spends her lunch time in the library working on this because she is trying to avoid her friends. Without reading the manual, she's not as far in the game, and is behind her friends. She thinks that reading has ruined to show and fandom for her, but she won't tell Emiko and Latasha what's wrong. After Stella wins the Young Authors competition with her graphic novel loosely based on Witchlins and starring her friends, she comes clean and tells Emiko and Latasha about her struggles and dyslexia diagnosis. There are resource lists at the end of the book, and a note from Ms. Garcia about her own daughter's struggles with this condition.
Strengths: Like Gerber's Focused (which deals with ADHD), Mixed-Up offers a realistic look at how a students might struggle with dyslexia, be diagnosed through school, and find helpful techniques from working with support staff. This is important not only for readers who have similar experiences, but for readers who might have friends who are struggling. The importance that Witchlins plays in Stella's friendship is interesting to see; friends struggle for many different reasons, and changing interests are certainly at the top of the list. This is also on trend with the idea that one's friends should be kept in the loop about one's struggles. I definitely liked that the teachers and staff at school, as well as the parents, were very supportive, as this offers comforting reassurance to students. I have always kept a pack of yellow guide strips for students who need them, and appreciated that the book was lettered in a dyslexia friendly font, just like the Barrington Stoke books!
Weaknesses: Mrs. Burk, the "mean" old lady librarian in her glasses and cardigan should not have said that graphic novels are not "real" books, but Stella's problems with reading are why I am often concerned when students won't pick up anything BUT graphic novels. This is often an indication that they need more practice and support, and I do gently suggest that in addition to graphic novels, students might want to try different types of books and work on building their reading stamina. Also, while it is nice that Mrs. Jackson lets Stella work in the library during lunch, this is another red flag. If a student wants to avoid the lunch room for more than a day or two, I ask if there is an issue that they need the school counselors' help with. I am not trained to deal with friend drama once it has escalated to the level of avoiding the lunch room.
What I really think: I will forever get this confused with Fantaskey's Wires Crossed , since both are graphic novels written by authors who have done paranormal YA titles! This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Cooke's Puzzled, Sattin's Buzzing, or Todd's Timid. Interestingly, around the time I read this, Bondia's comic strip, Crabgrass, has one of the main characters, Kevin, also diagnosed with dyslexia!
https://www.gocomics.com/crabgrass/20...
Stella is a fifth grader who is very invested in the television show Witchlins and watches it with her friends. Emiko is a skateboarder, and Latasha is an avid reader whose mother is the school librarian. The three are very excited that there is an online Witchlins game, but when Stella starts playing it, she realizes that it's necessary to consult the gaming manual, which is tremendously dense. She's having enough problems doing all of the reading for her classes, and often finds that she is finishing last, or not finishing at all. Her teacher, Mrs. Marin, is very nice, and does support her. Stella is also wary of the Young Authors project for which Mrs. Marin has assigned all of the students a story to write. Stella can't think of any ideas, although she is constantly doodling and drawing comics. Eventually, there's a meeting with Ms. Lopez, who assesses Stella and determines that she has dyslexia. Stella now works with Mrs. Wukitch, a reading specialist, to get extra help. Mrs. Marin has suggested that Stella do a graphic novel for her story, and Stella spends her lunch time in the library working on this because she is trying to avoid her friends. Without reading the manual, she's not as far in the game, and is behind her friends. She thinks that reading has ruined to show and fandom for her, but she won't tell Emiko and Latasha what's wrong. After Stella wins the Young Authors competition with her graphic novel loosely based on Witchlins and starring her friends, she comes clean and tells Emiko and Latasha about her struggles and dyslexia diagnosis. There are resource lists at the end of the book, and a note from Ms. Garcia about her own daughter's struggles with this condition.
Strengths: Like Gerber's Focused (which deals with ADHD), Mixed-Up offers a realistic look at how a students might struggle with dyslexia, be diagnosed through school, and find helpful techniques from working with support staff. This is important not only for readers who have similar experiences, but for readers who might have friends who are struggling. The importance that Witchlins plays in Stella's friendship is interesting to see; friends struggle for many different reasons, and changing interests are certainly at the top of the list. This is also on trend with the idea that one's friends should be kept in the loop about one's struggles. I definitely liked that the teachers and staff at school, as well as the parents, were very supportive, as this offers comforting reassurance to students. I have always kept a pack of yellow guide strips for students who need them, and appreciated that the book was lettered in a dyslexia friendly font, just like the Barrington Stoke books!
Weaknesses: Mrs. Burk, the "mean" old lady librarian in her glasses and cardigan should not have said that graphic novels are not "real" books, but Stella's problems with reading are why I am often concerned when students won't pick up anything BUT graphic novels. This is often an indication that they need more practice and support, and I do gently suggest that in addition to graphic novels, students might want to try different types of books and work on building their reading stamina. Also, while it is nice that Mrs. Jackson lets Stella work in the library during lunch, this is another red flag. If a student wants to avoid the lunch room for more than a day or two, I ask if there is an issue that they need the school counselors' help with. I am not trained to deal with friend drama once it has escalated to the level of avoiding the lunch room.
What I really think: I will forever get this confused with Fantaskey's Wires Crossed , since both are graphic novels written by authors who have done paranormal YA titles! This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Cooke's Puzzled, Sattin's Buzzing, or Todd's Timid. Interestingly, around the time I read this, Bondia's comic strip, Crabgrass, has one of the main characters, Kevin, also diagnosed with dyslexia!
https://www.gocomics.com/crabgrass/20...
December 30, 2024
Stella and her two besties, Latasha and Emiko, are excited about being in the same 5th grade homeroom together. They are also excited to find out about the new announcement coming from their favorite TV show Witchlins. But as Stella struggles to make it in 5th grade because of all the reading involved, and the Witchlins announcement involves more reading, she can’t hang out with her friends as much, and she isn’t into the new Witchlins thing like they are…will 5th grade just keep getting worse? Or is there some hope for Stella and her friendships?
This will definitely be a winner with the students at my school. It is a relatable contemporary fiction story of friendship and personal challenges. The dyslexia elements of the story are portrayed in ways that honor those with such challenges and provide hope. It will also help those who have friends with dyslexia better understand their challenges. We have a number of students with dyslexia at our school, and I know they will appreciate having this story available. This will also appeal to the huge number of students who can never get enough contemporary fiction graphic novels. I like that they made the font dyslexia-friendly too, that was an important detail. Highly recommended.
Notes on content [based on the eARC]:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Stella appears to be from a white/Latino family. Latasha is Black American, and Emiko appears to be Asian American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified that I remember.
Other: One person pushes friends away out of fear of telling them the truth.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This will definitely be a winner with the students at my school. It is a relatable contemporary fiction story of friendship and personal challenges. The dyslexia elements of the story are portrayed in ways that honor those with such challenges and provide hope. It will also help those who have friends with dyslexia better understand their challenges. We have a number of students with dyslexia at our school, and I know they will appreciate having this story available. This will also appeal to the huge number of students who can never get enough contemporary fiction graphic novels. I like that they made the font dyslexia-friendly too, that was an important detail. Highly recommended.
Notes on content [based on the eARC]:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Stella appears to be from a white/Latino family. Latasha is Black American, and Emiko appears to be Asian American.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified that I remember.
Other: One person pushes friends away out of fear of telling them the truth.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2024
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.
February 15, 2025
Three friends , Stella, Emiko, and Latasha are looking forward to the best fifth grade year ever. They are going to be in the same class, and their favorite television show, the Witchlins, has announced a new guidebook and online game.
When fifth grade proves to be a more challenging year for Stella, her classwork starts piling up. It takes her much longer to read and complete assignments than her classmates. On top of that, the new Witchlins guidebook is very text heavy, and she can’t keep up with her friends when playing the online game.
Embarrassed to talk with her friends about her struggle, Stella pulls away from them. But her caring teachers and her family recognize that Stella’s learning comes differently, and she’s diagnosed with dyslexia.
The author’s note at the beginning of the book is important, and I learned that she was purposeful in attempting to use as many decodable words as possible for readers. As a classroom teacher, I also appreciated that strategies were explained to the reader, such as tapping out words to decode them.
Highly recommend!
When fifth grade proves to be a more challenging year for Stella, her classwork starts piling up. It takes her much longer to read and complete assignments than her classmates. On top of that, the new Witchlins guidebook is very text heavy, and she can’t keep up with her friends when playing the online game.
Embarrassed to talk with her friends about her struggle, Stella pulls away from them. But her caring teachers and her family recognize that Stella’s learning comes differently, and she’s diagnosed with dyslexia.
The author’s note at the beginning of the book is important, and I learned that she was purposeful in attempting to use as many decodable words as possible for readers. As a classroom teacher, I also appreciated that strategies were explained to the reader, such as tapping out words to decode them.
Highly recommend!
April 17, 2025
Very well done! I loved the font, it was very reader-friendly!
I loved the story and the art work, ALL of it was so great!
A must-have for all libraries!
I loved the story and the art work, ALL of it was so great!
A must-have for all libraries!
December 4, 2024
3.5 stars
Stella, the charming star of this middle grade graphic novel, is in fifth grade, learning about her friendships, and struggling with dyslexia. The latter is what makes her a standout character for the age group and genre, along with the central reason I'll suggest this book to students.
The storyline and art are a great mix, but the character development is somewhat limited. Most of the work focuses on Stella's dyslexia and its impacts, but I'd have loved to see more of Stella's life, dig deeper into her relationships, and understand even more about her feelings. Even keeping the audience in mind, this just felt a bit more limited than I'd hoped for (in these specific ways).
Overall, this is a fun, colorful, and informative graphic novel, and I'm so glad there's a book with this focus that is so palatable and welcoming.
*Special thanks to First Second and NetGalley for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Stella, the charming star of this middle grade graphic novel, is in fifth grade, learning about her friendships, and struggling with dyslexia. The latter is what makes her a standout character for the age group and genre, along with the central reason I'll suggest this book to students.
The storyline and art are a great mix, but the character development is somewhat limited. Most of the work focuses on Stella's dyslexia and its impacts, but I'd have loved to see more of Stella's life, dig deeper into her relationships, and understand even more about her feelings. Even keeping the audience in mind, this just felt a bit more limited than I'd hoped for (in these specific ways).
Overall, this is a fun, colorful, and informative graphic novel, and I'm so glad there's a book with this focus that is so palatable and welcoming.
*Special thanks to First Second and NetGalley for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
February 14, 2025
Not blown away but I appreciated how the author blended together the MC's issues with reading, her love of fandom, and how this manages to ostracize her from her friends. A bit repetitive but it had a cute drawing style and would be easily accessible.
September 6, 2024
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 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.
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 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.
October 29, 2024
Thank you @NetGalley and @First Second Books for this ARC. Kami Garcia has been a favorite author in my school Library. I will definitely be adding this new book to our collection. The graphics are so bold and beautiful. I am always looking for books that have a positive outcome for students with learning differences. A must for every Library.
April 12, 2025
Viidesluokkalaisella Stellalla on kaksi parasta ystävää ja yhteinen mielenkiinnonkohde noidista kertovaa tv-sarjaa kohtaan. Koulutyöt ovat aikaisempaa vaikeampia ja uusi noitamaailmaa sijoittuva peli on liian vaikea, koska kaikkeen liittyy niin paljon lukemista. Ei siis yllätäkään, että hän saa diagnoosin lukivaikeudesta. Ihan söpö sarjakuva, mutta ei jääne mieleen pitkäksi aikaa.
Read
February 21, 2025The artwork in this book is super cute!
I think this book will really appeal to kids who struggle in any area of school, whether dyslexic or not. Sometimes, students have to learn in a different way, and that's okay. A different method doesn't make anyone dumb and shouldn't be a cause for shame.
But unfortunately, it felt more like a non-fiction, edutainment book than an actual story.
I think this book will really appeal to kids who struggle in any area of school, whether dyslexic or not. Sometimes, students have to learn in a different way, and that's okay. A different method doesn't make anyone dumb and shouldn't be a cause for shame.
But unfortunately, it felt more like a non-fiction, edutainment book than an actual story.
January 25, 2025
It was such a good book! I can understand the problems dyslexic people have more, now that I read this book.
February 8, 2025
A short sweet story on dyslexia and the need for accommodations and support for kids, feeling different, how to communicate and treat yourself more kindly.
March 23, 2025
Mixed-Up
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 5.42/10 overall
Characters - 5
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 6
Plot - 5
Intrigue - 6
Logic - 5
Enjoyment - 5
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 5.42/10 overall
Characters - 5
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 6
Plot - 5
Intrigue - 6
Logic - 5
Enjoyment - 5
October 16, 2025
Loved this! Really allows kids with dyslexia to feel seen and also gives them the tools to say, hey, there’s nothing wrong with me. I just learn differently and that’s okay.
December 2, 2025
Dyslexia representation! Cute story - appreciated the message. Not sure it could reach a broad audience since it is targeted but good for those that can relate to it.
November 7, 2024
First off, this book was absolutely adorable. You could feel Stella’s troubles throughout the book, and as the reader, you just wanted to help her. The author did a great job with portraying dyslexia and how it affects people that live with this disability. A must read for any reader.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
August 4, 2025
A short but sweet MG GN that deals with a girl with dyslexia. I appreciate the representation here, though wished for a bit more depth on the narrative.
January 4, 2025
This is a cute middle grade graphic novel about 5th-grader Stella discovering she has dyslexia. It's inspired by the author's neurodivergence, her daughter's dyslexia, and her experience as a reading specialist. Stella and her two best friends love The Witchlins, a TV show, but when the computer game comes out, there's a big problem. Stella has trouble reading the gaming manual, which is essential to completing the game. She can no longer play with her friends. Meanwhile, at school, she's struggling to read all the assignments. Thankfully, she does receive help from the school.
The plot is a bit simple to me, and I felt like Stella's friends could've been more supportive and aware instead of the rift being Stella's fault because she was too embarrassed to say something, but it's also a great representation.
The plot is a bit simple to me, and I felt like Stella's friends could've been more supportive and aware instead of the rift being Stella's fault because she was too embarrassed to say something, but it's also a great representation.
November 11, 2025
This graphic novel is about how one 10-year-old's experience of dyslexia unfolds.
The choice of a dyslexia-friendly font is meant to be supportive, but the novel seems more useful to the readers who are friends with people with dyslexia...since the many distinct and unique characteristics of the main character have an equal possibility of distancing dyslexic readers as connecting with them.
At the start of fifth grade, Stella is slowly becoming aware that she struggles more with reading than anyone else in her class. She feels increasingly overwhelmed, but it only comes to a crisis point when her favorite television show, Witchlins, puts out an interactive online game that is nearly impossible unless a player reads the text-heavy guidebook.
At this point, her super-tight-knit friendship group of three fifth graders (each one a different personality and ethnicity, in the best traditions of tween-girl-friend-group-based novels) does not strike Stella as a source of support, but as a source of extreme pressure. Stella realizes that her inability to read dense text excludes her from joining joyful activities and therefore makes their friendship unbearable. However, she does not describe her difficulties to them or ask them to help or accommodate her; instead, she hides away from them, isolates herself, tamps down her natural effervescence, and feels miserable.
Her uncharacteristic behavior, coupled with dramatically deteriorating classroom and homework performance, finally alerts her teachers that Stella needs resources. They have her run a battery of tests, give her a diagnosis of dyslexia, and set her up with a series of remediation and accommodation strategies to participate in or choose. From that point on, there is steady improvement in her self-confidence, abilities, and academic performance.
But Stella doesn't approach her two best friends, and doesn't decide to reveal her diagnosis until the point when she has not only achieved sufficient improvement to hold her own among their shared text-based activities, but until she has "won the prize" of a writing competition. (At which point, they approach her.)
I am not sure if young readers will wonder why her discomfort with reading didn't register with Stella in previous reading exercises, tests, or any assignments, and neither her attentive, loving parents, nor any of her teachers noticed that she was struggling at all, let alone trigger an earlier dyslexia diagnosis. For an adult reading, it's a striking fact that Stella made it past all of the diagnostic tests usually given in Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third grade. Furthermore, despite the stability of her household (maintaining the same friends for 6 years straight), and despite the fact that a classmate of hers shares her diagnosis and has already been receiving support for it (indicating the school tries to be on top of it, further confirmed by their quick action and readily available, knowledgeable coaches and tactics), Stella has passed all the important milestones where early intervention for dyslexia would have had the most likelihood of avoiding the cascading problems - that Stella is going through.
This lack of intervention - based on the fact that nobody noticed - is explained by having Stella observe that there is SO much more reading suddenly, an excuse that doesn't make sense to me as an adult reader - knowing that we test reading skills at every grade level and dyslexia does not suddenly appear at age 10.
So, given how the story is intentionally teaching readers about dyslexia, I needed more of an "excuse" for it not being noticed until 5th grade. I wish the author would have come up with a plot point for this delay, perhaps based on research within the several websites in the backmatter, which surely would have suggested some possibilities.
I found it pedantic and pandering. BUT the book is not for me, and it's possible a 3rd- to 5th-grade reader will find it heartwarming, inspiring, and informative.
The choice of a dyslexia-friendly font is meant to be supportive, but the novel seems more useful to the readers who are friends with people with dyslexia...since the many distinct and unique characteristics of the main character have an equal possibility of distancing dyslexic readers as connecting with them.
At the start of fifth grade, Stella is slowly becoming aware that she struggles more with reading than anyone else in her class. She feels increasingly overwhelmed, but it only comes to a crisis point when her favorite television show, Witchlins, puts out an interactive online game that is nearly impossible unless a player reads the text-heavy guidebook.
At this point, her super-tight-knit friendship group of three fifth graders (each one a different personality and ethnicity, in the best traditions of tween-girl-friend-group-based novels) does not strike Stella as a source of support, but as a source of extreme pressure. Stella realizes that her inability to read dense text excludes her from joining joyful activities and therefore makes their friendship unbearable. However, she does not describe her difficulties to them or ask them to help or accommodate her; instead, she hides away from them, isolates herself, tamps down her natural effervescence, and feels miserable.
Her uncharacteristic behavior, coupled with dramatically deteriorating classroom and homework performance, finally alerts her teachers that Stella needs resources. They have her run a battery of tests, give her a diagnosis of dyslexia, and set her up with a series of remediation and accommodation strategies to participate in or choose. From that point on, there is steady improvement in her self-confidence, abilities, and academic performance.
But Stella doesn't approach her two best friends, and doesn't decide to reveal her diagnosis until the point when she has not only achieved sufficient improvement to hold her own among their shared text-based activities, but until she has "won the prize" of a writing competition. (At which point, they approach her.)
I am not sure if young readers will wonder why her discomfort with reading didn't register with Stella in previous reading exercises, tests, or any assignments, and neither her attentive, loving parents, nor any of her teachers noticed that she was struggling at all, let alone trigger an earlier dyslexia diagnosis. For an adult reading, it's a striking fact that Stella made it past all of the diagnostic tests usually given in Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third grade. Furthermore, despite the stability of her household (maintaining the same friends for 6 years straight), and despite the fact that a classmate of hers shares her diagnosis and has already been receiving support for it (indicating the school tries to be on top of it, further confirmed by their quick action and readily available, knowledgeable coaches and tactics), Stella has passed all the important milestones where early intervention for dyslexia would have had the most likelihood of avoiding the cascading problems - that Stella is going through.
This lack of intervention - based on the fact that nobody noticed - is explained by having Stella observe that there is SO much more reading suddenly, an excuse that doesn't make sense to me as an adult reader - knowing that we test reading skills at every grade level and dyslexia does not suddenly appear at age 10.
So, given how the story is intentionally teaching readers about dyslexia, I needed more of an "excuse" for it not being noticed until 5th grade. I wish the author would have come up with a plot point for this delay, perhaps based on research within the several websites in the backmatter, which surely would have suggested some possibilities.
I found it pedantic and pandering. BUT the book is not for me, and it's possible a 3rd- to 5th-grade reader will find it heartwarming, inspiring, and informative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2024
Fifth grade is about to begin, and best friends Emiko, Latasha, and Stella are excited for everything the new school year has in store. Additionally, their favorite show Witchlins is about to make a big announcement, and the girls are anxiously awaiting the news. Unfortunately, Stella finds herself struggling in school from the very beginning, falling further behind with each new assignment. Add to that the fact that the new Witchlins game requires reading a guidebook to uncover the secrets to success, and Stella is even more overwhelmed. Luckily, attentive teachers and supportive parents are able to get to the root of Stella’s difficulties, and they are able to make a plan that will help reconnect Stella to both her schoolwork and her friendships.
This thoughtful graphic novel is a love letter to anyone who has ever been diagnosed with dyslexia. Constructed using appropriate font and design to support anyone with dyslexia themselves, this book has something of a meta element in that it is a book about a character with dyslexia and designed for readers with dyslexia. There is no stigma about having difficulty reading, and middle grade readers of all brain abilities will appreciate observing as Stella discovers both her limitations and her strengths. Sadly, while not every child will receive the same level of support as Stella does, this book helps to identify a specific learning struggle that may help some readers see and be seen.
The illustrations and design of this book make it straightforward and accessible, especially as visually obvious asides from Stella pepper the otherwise dialogue-heavy narrative. Additionally, images of characters in silence are included to bring focus to the emotions being felt by each featured character. Managing learning difficulties is challenging at the best of times, and the interactions among the characters in this book are both realistic and familiar to young readers. Whether this book serves as a window or a mirror, it is a generally engaging story about friendship and self-discovery through the lens of a dyslexic protagonist. It is an important addition to library graphic novel collections for middle grade readers.
This thoughtful graphic novel is a love letter to anyone who has ever been diagnosed with dyslexia. Constructed using appropriate font and design to support anyone with dyslexia themselves, this book has something of a meta element in that it is a book about a character with dyslexia and designed for readers with dyslexia. There is no stigma about having difficulty reading, and middle grade readers of all brain abilities will appreciate observing as Stella discovers both her limitations and her strengths. Sadly, while not every child will receive the same level of support as Stella does, this book helps to identify a specific learning struggle that may help some readers see and be seen.
The illustrations and design of this book make it straightforward and accessible, especially as visually obvious asides from Stella pepper the otherwise dialogue-heavy narrative. Additionally, images of characters in silence are included to bring focus to the emotions being felt by each featured character. Managing learning difficulties is challenging at the best of times, and the interactions among the characters in this book are both realistic and familiar to young readers. Whether this book serves as a window or a mirror, it is a generally engaging story about friendship and self-discovery through the lens of a dyslexic protagonist. It is an important addition to library graphic novel collections for middle grade readers.
April 2, 2025
Finished this wonderful book by Kami Garcia today! It’s about a girl named Stella who is very excited for fifth grade and hanging out with her friends watching the show Witchlings. When school starts, Stella thinks she’s ready for anything. Her teacher is super nice and her two best friends, Emiko and LaTasha, are in class with her! But school also brings a lot of reading homework and reading equals stress for Stella! Ever since kindergarten, she’s struggled with letters. They tend to turn around in her head and make things a real pain. Her friends try to help her out as best they can, but with no pictures in these new fifth grade books, it’s hard for Stella to get through homework. To make things worse, a new Witchlings game has a big book that you need to read in order to understand how to play online. How will Stella make it through fifth grade? Will her friends understand why she’s taking so long to get through the Witchlings book? She doesn’t even understand what’s going on with her brain!
Luckily, Stella has some stellar parents and a teacher who cares about her. They help her see that she might have a disability called dyslexia, and it’s perfectly okay to have! She has to learn how to use her brain in a different way than other people. Maybe, with the help of her teachers and parents, she can get back to being herself! Let’s be real. She really wants to play that Witchlings game with her friends!
I don’t have dyslexia. But I understood the horrible situation Stella was in because I have another learning disability, along with OCD. And sometimes it can cause a lot of pain and mental anguish. It’s frustrating to be “different” from others, especially when you are young. When Stella felt sad about missing her friends because she couldn’t get through the guidebook, I felt that. I used to take a long time on my homework and reading too. I’m really glad Kami Garcia,Brittney Williams and Tyler Smith made this book because it will help kids empathize with people who learn differently. It will help kids with learning disabilities like dyslexia feel seen.
#WeNeedDiverseBooks
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 16
Luckily, Stella has some stellar parents and a teacher who cares about her. They help her see that she might have a disability called dyslexia, and it’s perfectly okay to have! She has to learn how to use her brain in a different way than other people. Maybe, with the help of her teachers and parents, she can get back to being herself! Let’s be real. She really wants to play that Witchlings game with her friends!
I don’t have dyslexia. But I understood the horrible situation Stella was in because I have another learning disability, along with OCD. And sometimes it can cause a lot of pain and mental anguish. It’s frustrating to be “different” from others, especially when you are young. When Stella felt sad about missing her friends because she couldn’t get through the guidebook, I felt that. I used to take a long time on my homework and reading too. I’m really glad Kami Garcia,Brittney Williams and Tyler Smith made this book because it will help kids empathize with people who learn differently. It will help kids with learning disabilities like dyslexia feel seen.
#WeNeedDiverseBooks
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 16
December 13, 2024
I received a free copy from NetGalley for review.
"Mixed-Up" is a realistic graphic novel that follows Stella as she begins a new grade and discovers she is falling behind in reading. While her friends enthusiastically devour the new guidebook for their favorite show, Stella can barely get her homework done, and feigns disinterest in the book and game to hide her embarrassment. This book is a wonderful exploration for how a child with dyslexia can struggle without the proper accommodations and learning techniques. Books where children explore disabilities/neurodivergence are popular with most middle grade readers. "El Deafo" and "Guts" being the most popular, but the OCD-protagonist of "Just Roll With It" also is a big hit for readers.
The best thing about "Mixed-Up" is the use of Open Dyslexic font, specifically designed to make the words easier to process without mixing them up. I also appreciated illustrator Brittney Williams making sure Stella and her two friends were always color coded for that extra context clue in reading the pictures. It's easy to see how invested the creative team is in making this book accessible to those with learning disabilities like dyslexia. The strength, and what some might find as a slight let down, is how prominent Stella's journey over dealing with her dyslexia is to the graphic novel. While her strained friendship with her friends is part of the plot's stakes, it is entirely tied into hiding her struggle with reading, and once the secret is revealed they quickly make up. The book is very streamlined to focusing on that one plot. I appreciate that Garcia takes such a measured pace to explaining how a diagnosis isn't the easy solution to adapting to dyslexia, but the start of a journey, but I also understand some readers may want some supplemental material to round out the story.
"Mixed-Up" is a realistic graphic novel that follows Stella as she begins a new grade and discovers she is falling behind in reading. While her friends enthusiastically devour the new guidebook for their favorite show, Stella can barely get her homework done, and feigns disinterest in the book and game to hide her embarrassment. This book is a wonderful exploration for how a child with dyslexia can struggle without the proper accommodations and learning techniques. Books where children explore disabilities/neurodivergence are popular with most middle grade readers. "El Deafo" and "Guts" being the most popular, but the OCD-protagonist of "Just Roll With It" also is a big hit for readers.
The best thing about "Mixed-Up" is the use of Open Dyslexic font, specifically designed to make the words easier to process without mixing them up. I also appreciated illustrator Brittney Williams making sure Stella and her two friends were always color coded for that extra context clue in reading the pictures. It's easy to see how invested the creative team is in making this book accessible to those with learning disabilities like dyslexia. The strength, and what some might find as a slight let down, is how prominent Stella's journey over dealing with her dyslexia is to the graphic novel. While her strained friendship with her friends is part of the plot's stakes, it is entirely tied into hiding her struggle with reading, and once the secret is revealed they quickly make up. The book is very streamlined to focusing on that one plot. I appreciate that Garcia takes such a measured pace to explaining how a diagnosis isn't the easy solution to adapting to dyslexia, but the start of a journey, but I also understand some readers may want some supplemental material to round out the story.
October 25, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stella and her besties, Emiko and Latasha, are so excited for fifth grade. They are in the same class with a great teacher AND their favorite show, Witchlins, is about to drop something super exciting! When Witchlins announces that they have an online game that requires a guidebook, Stella starts to feel left out. She's never been the best reader.
On top of the guidebook, fifth grade has so many words in the textbooks! Stella starts to fall further and further behind in both schoolwork and the Witchlins game. She feels like her friends are leaving her behind as well because all they want to do is talk about the game. They just don't understand how hard it is for Stella.
Thankfully, her teacher recognizes her struggles and helps Stella figure out that she has dyslexia, a learning disorder that makes it difficult to read. Slowly, Stella is able to navigate schoolwork AND work on the Witchlins guidebook once she recognizes her disability.
Not only does the book discuss dyslexia and how to navigate the disability, it also has all the text in a dyslexic friendly font. This font makes it easier for dyslexic readers to read. This graphic novel touched me on a personal level because my sibling has dyslexia and has had the same sorts of troubles that Stella does. I specifically remember them saying that they were stupid because they couldn't read. I'm glad there are more books out there to help kiddos with their learning disabilities and show that they're not broken; they just learning differently than others.
Stella and her besties, Emiko and Latasha, are so excited for fifth grade. They are in the same class with a great teacher AND their favorite show, Witchlins, is about to drop something super exciting! When Witchlins announces that they have an online game that requires a guidebook, Stella starts to feel left out. She's never been the best reader.
On top of the guidebook, fifth grade has so many words in the textbooks! Stella starts to fall further and further behind in both schoolwork and the Witchlins game. She feels like her friends are leaving her behind as well because all they want to do is talk about the game. They just don't understand how hard it is for Stella.
Thankfully, her teacher recognizes her struggles and helps Stella figure out that she has dyslexia, a learning disorder that makes it difficult to read. Slowly, Stella is able to navigate schoolwork AND work on the Witchlins guidebook once she recognizes her disability.
Not only does the book discuss dyslexia and how to navigate the disability, it also has all the text in a dyslexic friendly font. This font makes it easier for dyslexic readers to read. This graphic novel touched me on a personal level because my sibling has dyslexia and has had the same sorts of troubles that Stella does. I specifically remember them saying that they were stupid because they couldn't read. I'm glad there are more books out there to help kiddos with their learning disabilities and show that they're not broken; they just learning differently than others.
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February 9, 2025Kami Garcia’s Mixed-Up, brought to life with Brittney Williams’ vibrant illustrations, is a warm and deeply relatable story about friendship, perseverance, and self-acceptance. At its heart is Stella, a bright and determined fifth-grader who’s eager for the best school year ever. She and her best friends, Emiko and Latasha, are excited about the newest Witchlins guidebook and online game—until Stella realizes that the heavy reading load isn’t just frustrating; it’s overwhelming.
As schoolwork piles up, so does Stella’s struggle with reading, making her feel lost and even a little embarrassed. But when she’s diagnosed with dyslexia, things finally start to make sense. With the right support from her family, teachers, and friends, she begins to understand that her struggles don’t define her—they just mean she learns in a different way.
What makes Mixed-Up so powerful is how real it feels. Garcia, inspired by her own experiences as a reading specialist and her daughter's journey with dyslexia, tells Stella’s story with honesty and heart. Williams’ expressive art brings every moment to life, from the excitement of Witchlins to the emotional ups and downs of feeling “different.” Plus, the book itself is designed with dyslexic readers in mind, using the Dyslexie font to make reading more accessible.
This is the kind of book that not only helps kids with dyslexia feel seen but also teaches empathy to those who may not understand the struggle. It’s a beautiful reminder that being “mixed-up” isn’t a weakness—it’s just another way of seeing the world.
As schoolwork piles up, so does Stella’s struggle with reading, making her feel lost and even a little embarrassed. But when she’s diagnosed with dyslexia, things finally start to make sense. With the right support from her family, teachers, and friends, she begins to understand that her struggles don’t define her—they just mean she learns in a different way.
What makes Mixed-Up so powerful is how real it feels. Garcia, inspired by her own experiences as a reading specialist and her daughter's journey with dyslexia, tells Stella’s story with honesty and heart. Williams’ expressive art brings every moment to life, from the excitement of Witchlins to the emotional ups and downs of feeling “different.” Plus, the book itself is designed with dyslexic readers in mind, using the Dyslexie font to make reading more accessible.
This is the kind of book that not only helps kids with dyslexia feel seen but also teaches empathy to those who may not understand the struggle. It’s a beautiful reminder that being “mixed-up” isn’t a weakness—it’s just another way of seeing the world.
February 23, 2025
Mixed-Up provides some more much-needed dyslexia representation to the children's-book world. Seeing Stella navigate receiving her diagnosis and getting help at school will be valuable for many readers, whether this is something they have personal experience with or not. The clearly-lettered text has a lower reading level than is typical for elementary/middle-school graphic novels, which will hopefully make the story more accessible to dyslexic readers themselves. (Alas, this comes at the expense of plot and character complexity. There are also a lot of awkward time jumps, as well as inconsistency between past and present tense in the narration, which all together make the writing seem a little less skillful and intentional than it could otherwise.) The illustrations have a youthful charm and are efficient without being bare, with a distinct style used for the pages of the comic that Stella draws in-universe. I actually have a little doubt about one choice towards the end of that section-- But in general, this is a pretty cute and useful book that I'm glad I read!
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February 25, 2025Phạm Shin - với bề dày kinh nghiệm trong ngành, đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc định hình xu hướng cá cược trực tuyến, mang đến sân chơi uy tín và công bằng.
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