All Mixed Up

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 fromtheir diverse cultural heritage.

Kamal'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.

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.

Raj Tawney is an author, journalist, and essayist whose work largely reflects his multiracial American upbringing. Born in New York to an Indian, Puerto Rican, and Italian American family, Tawney has explored his identity and family history through personal essays published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, and other outlets throughout the country. His debut memoir, Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience (Empire State Editions/Fordham University Press, 2023), earned critical acclaim and won numerous awards. His Middle Grade novel, All Mixed Up (Paw Prints Publishing/Baker & Taylor, 2024), was a NYPL Best Book for Kids pick and a Día Reading List pick, among other accolades. He currently resides in South Florida.