{"product_id":"9781223188560","title":"All Mixed Up","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWINNER, 2024 FOREWORD INDIES, HONORABLE MENTION, JUVENILE FICTION\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCBC 2025 MIDDLE-GRADE \u0026amp; TEACHER FAVORITES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eA DÍA READING LIST 2025 PICK\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eA NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS 2024 PICK\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrom New York Times essayist Raj Tawney comes \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eAll Mixed Up\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e, a powerful middle-grade novel that explores identity, friendship, and the challenges of growing up in a post 9\/11 world.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKamal’s 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eAll Mixed Up\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTimely Themes\u003c\/b\u003e: Addresses identity, inclusion, and cultural diversity in a post 9\/11 context. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRelatable Protagonist:\u003c\/b\u003e Kamal's internal struggles resonate with middle-grade readers facing similar challenges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFriendship and Growth:\u003c\/b\u003e Highlights the power of friendship in overcoming prejudice and personal growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCultural Exploration:\u003c\/b\u003e Showcases multi-ethnic traditions through food and family dynamics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEmotional Depth:\u003c\/b\u003e Encourages discussions about belonging and empathy.\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBenefits for Readers:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCultural Awareness:\u003c\/b\u003e Helps readers appreciate different cultures and the richness they bring to communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEmpathy Building:\u003c\/b\u003e Fosters understanding of the impact of discrimination and the value of standing up for friends.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSelf-Discovery:\u003c\/b\u003e Inspires young readers to embrace their identities and find strength in their uniqueness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCritical Thinking:\u003c\/b\u003e Promotes discussions about societal issues, encouraging readers to think critically about their own communities.\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Through Jaz’s infectious bravado and his and Kamal’s anchoring friendship, Tawney (Colorful Palate, for adults) presents an earnest depiction of two outcasts finding comfort in each other while navigating societal tension in this brief interrogation of anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim attitudes. The narrative features ample nostalgic details of the time period, which are informed by the author’s personal experiences, as addressed in an endnote.” – \u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“[All Mixed Up] includes tough, illuminating conversations about when to speak up about undocumented people, when to stay silent for the sake of their safety, and when to understand that even adults don’t have all of the answers. Its treatment of sensitive political topics is humane, reflected in Kamal’s growing emotional maturity.\u003cbr\u003eIn the touching novel All Mixed Up, a middle school student faces prejudice but also makes a friend with whom he feels understood. Plotted in gripping stages, the story culminates with hope.” \u003ci\u003e– Foreword Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Raj Tawney’s books, including this one, are bite-sized treasures… All Mixed Up is a journey into bravery and I can say with certainty one thing: I’ll want to read anything Raj Tawney writes because his writing is pure light.” – Vanessa Garcia, author of What the Bread Says (@vanessagarciawriter)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Textured and complex story. [All Mixed Up] deals with serious topics, but the tone remains sweet, the characters all drawn with love. And it’s relevant if you want to process frustrating memories of the early 2000s or process what’s going on today.” – Surabhi Balachander (@surabhi.reading)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A middle grade read about fitting in and being different that I know I'll be adding to my sixth grade classroom library.” – Brynn Allison, ELA Teacher (@theliterarymaven)\u003c\/p\u003e Middle Grade; Latino\/Hispanic Author","brand":"Raj Tawney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52256745816385,"sku":"9781223188560","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0812\/3262\/5985\/files\/9781223188560.jpg?v=1790268834","url":"https:\/\/store.doverpublications.com\/products\/9781223188560","provider":"Dover Publications","version":"1.0","type":"link"}