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Mis(h)adra

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About The Book

An Arab-American college student struggles to live with epilepsy in this starkly colored and deeply-cutting graphic novel.

Isaac wants nothing more than to be a functional college student—but managing his epilepsy is an exhausting battle to survive. He attempts to maintain a balancing act between his seizure triggers and his day-to-day schedule, but he finds that nothing—not even his medication—seems to work. The doctors won’t listen, the schoolwork keeps piling up, his family is in denial about his condition, and his social life falls apart as he feels more and more isolated by his illness. Even with an unexpected new friend by his side, so much is up against him that Isaac is starting to think his epilepsy might be unbeatable.

Based on the author’s own experiences as an epileptic, Mis(h)adra is a boldly visual depiction of the daily struggles of living with a misunderstood condition in today’s hectic and uninformed world.

About The Author

Iasmin Omar Ata is an intersectional comics artist, illustrator, and game designer. Iasmin focuses on creating art centered around the themes of coping with illness, understanding identity, and dismantling oppressive structures.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Gallery 13 (October 3, 2017)
  • Length: 288 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781501162107

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Raves and Reviews

“Visceral, hilarious, utterly human, and unlike anything you’ve ever read. An explosive debut.”

– Bryan Lee O'Malley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Scott Pilgrim series and Seconds

Mis(h)adra is singular, vibrant, and raw; Iasmin’s depiction of epilepsy lives at an eye-opening intersection of culture and youth.”

– Yuko Ota & Ananth Hirsh, acclaimed creators of the Johnny Wander series

“A powerful story about not only physical pain but also the pain of self-doubt and hopelessness. Mis(h)adra beautifully illustrates the struggle to stand up to that inner hopelessness, and come out the other end stronger than ever.”

– Kris Mukai, acclaimed creator of Commuter and Weeping Flower, Grows in Darkness

“Ata renders the story in a vibrant manga style…The details of Isaac's illness feel decidedly lived-in…palpably, dramatically realized…compellingly unique…the spotlight shone on an underrepresented demographic is commendable. Big and stylish—of particular interest to those dealing with epilepsy or wanting to know more about the condition.”

Kirkus Reviews

Mis(h)adra is like nothing I’ve read before, both in its subject matter and its innovative visuals….Blends a psychedelic color scheme, arresting images, and a manga style for a searingly intimate work….Ata’s is a voice that should be heard.”

– Mahnaz Dar, Library Journal (Editor’s Pick)

"Ata’s artistry can help readers understand how living with illness changes everything, and yet life can go on with new insights, accommodations, and help from friends."

Library Journal (starred review)

“At once emotionally raw and aesthetically elaborate, bursting with style....transporting…beautiful.”

KinderComics

Awards and Honors

  • NYPL Best Books for Teens
  • ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Resources and Downloads