MY NAME IS HARRIET MANSOOR (NOT HAIRY MAN SUIT!)

A sixth grader navigates relationships, puberty, and growing up in an immigrant family.

Hangameh Mansoor, dubbed “Harriet” by her first American teacher, who found her Iranian name too hard, is a star student who dreams of playing professional soccer. Her archnemesis, Sarah, nicknames her “Hairy Man Suit” because of her body hair, but Harriet’s mother has strong opinions, which include no hair removal until high school, modest clothing only, and no boys (never mind that Harriet’s older sister, Noosheen, has a secret boyfriend). Harriet’s best friend, Cathy, gives her a secret makeup session behind the bleachers at a soccer game, but Harriet struggles with going against her parents’ wishes. The family moved to the U.S. so the girls could have more opportunities, and when Harriet fails a pop quiz, her dad forbids her to go on a much-anticipated spring break class trip. The sisters discover that their father’s swap meet camera booth is failing, and they might have to move back to Iran, where their dad was head of an engineering company. Harriet and Noosheen, desperate to avoid this disruption, hatch bold plans to try to stay in Los Angeles. 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. Final art not seen.

A funny, heartfelt tale of cultural expectations, belonging, and speaking up for yourself.