Awards

• Commended for Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards (Juvenile Fiction) 2024

Overview

WINNER, 2024 FOREWORD INDIES, HONORABLE MENTION, JUVENILE FICTION CBC 2025 MIDDLE-GRADE & TEACHER FAVORITES A DÍA READING LIST 2025 PICK A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS 2024 PICK From New York Times essayist Raj Tawney comes All Mixed Up, a powerful middle-grade novel that explores identity, friendship, and the challenges of growing up in a post 9/11 world. Set in 2002, this compelling story follows Kamal Rao, a sixth grader navigating the complexities of life in a suburban town that is far from inclusive. Kamal, a multi-ethnic American boy, often feels out of place and isolated, spending his days creating mud pies or cooking traditional family recipes alongside his mother and grandmother, drawing from their diverse cultural heritage. Kamals life takes an unexpected turn when Jaz, a Pakistani immigrant, joins his school. Together, they bond over their love for the outdoors and delicious food, forming a friendship that pushes Kamal to reconsider what it means to be different. Through Jaz, Kamal discovers the strength and beauty in his unique identity. But as their friendship deepens, the community's suspicion toward Jaz surfaces, putting their bond to the test. Kamal must decide whether to stand by his friend, risking his own safety and his family's trust, in a society that questions Jaz's presence and intentions. All Mixed Up is an insightful, heartwarming novel based on the author's real-life experiences, offering a fresh voice in children's fiction. Young readers will be captivated by Kamal's journey of self-discovery, learning about empathy, resilience, and the importance of standing up for what's right. Key Features: Timely Themes Addresses identity, inclusion, and cultural diversity in a post 9/11 context. Relatable Protagonist: Kamal's internal struggles resonate with middle-grade readers facing similar challenges. Friendship and Growth: Highlights the power of friendship in overcoming prejudice and personal growth. Cultural Exploration: Showcases multi-ethnic traditions through food and family dynamics. Emotional Depth: Encourages discussions about belonging and empathy. Benefits for Readers: Cultural Awareness: Helps readers appreciate different cultures and the richness they bring to communities. Empathy Building: Fosters understanding of the impact of discrimination and the value of standing up for friends. Self-Discovery: Inspires young readers to embrace their identities and find strength in their uniqueness. Critical Thinking: Promotes discussions about societal issues, encouraging readers to think critically about their own communities. All Mixed Up is more than just a story; it's a beacon of hope and understanding, leaving an indelible mark on readers of all backgrounds.

Full Product Details

9781223188553

Table of Contents

Reviews

"""Poignant, thoughtful, and humorous, All Mixed Up, is a story of friendship and a masterful telling of the complexities and challenges of finding one's voice when you've been marked as an outsider. Tawney's characters leap off the page and invite the reader to understand more deeply what it means to be an immigrant and to redefine what it means to be an American."" - Amina Luqman-Dawson, author of the 2023 Newbery Medal award-winner, Freewater ""In All Mixed Up, Kamal's grandmother tells him, 'It doesn't take much to appreciate people.' Actually, what it takes is a well-written story like this one about two friends, one with a mixed heritage, the other an illegal immigrant, both considered outsiders by their school mates. This is a timely story and a great read."" - David A. Adler, award-winning author of the Mo! and Cam Jansen series ""There is so much honesty and heart on every page of All Mixed Up. Raj Tawney beautifully depicts the way a new friendship can shake up your life in all the best ways, not only bringing you joy and confidence, but also helping you to better understand who you are."" -- Lance Rubin, Author of New York Times Bestseller Crying Laughing ""...Although set against the backdrop of the attacks on 9/11, the messages around America's struggle with immigration and prejudice will resonate with today's young readers. Kamal and Jaz's story steers us past borders, beliefs, and appearances to what's really important - that no matter what you look like or where you come from, you deserve kindness, understanding, and a good friend..."" -- Noelle Boc, Director of Peabody Institute Library of Danvers ""All Mixed Up is a delightful coming of age story full of growing pains and joys. This nuanced and bittersweet 'only in America' story will warm your heart and dampen your eyes."" -- Claudia Forestieri, Creator and Executive Producer of the television show GORDITA CHRONICLES ""Raj Tawney's All Mixed Up is a heartfelt story that delves into the complexities of growing up mixed race with remarkable sensitivity and insight. The characters are richly nuanced--each one honest, vulnerable, and curious--inviting readers into their deeply personal journeys. As a mixed person myself, I found that Raj skillfully captures the often isolating experience of feeling like an outsider, or in protagonist Kamal's clever words, ""like a weirdly twisted pretzel in a bag of perfect knots,"" and the profound importance of finding someone who truly understands you. This novel is an essential read for middle schoolers, offering an intimate look into the significance of mixed race representation and the beauty of diverse identities."" -- Mikki Hernandez, author of Cake Mix"

"""In All Mixed Up, Kamal's grandmother tells him, 'It doesn't take much to appreciate people.' Actually, what it takes is a well-written story like this one about two friends, one with a mixed heritage, the other an illegal immigrant, both considered outsiders by their school mates. This is a timely story and a great read."" - David A. Adler, award-winning author of the Mo! and Cam Jansen series"

Author Information

Raj Tawney is a writer and journalist whose work largely reflects his mixed-race upbringing in suburban Long Island, NY. Born to an Indian, Puerto Rican, and Italian American family, Tawney has explored his identity through personal essays published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and other outlets throughout the country. His debut memoir Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience (Fordham University Press) was published in 2023 to much acclaim. He is based in Miami, Florida.

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