All Mixed Up

Description

New York Times essayist, Raj Tawney, delivers a gripping story of a multi-ethnic American boy who forges a complex friendship with a Pakistani immigrant in the wake of 9/11. It's 2002--less than one year after the September 11th attacks-- and sixth-grader Kamal Rao is tackling a brave new world of challenges, including figuring out who he really is and how he fits in. Even with New York City in its backyard, the suburban town where he lives is anything but open-minded. That means Kamal - frequently picked on and feeling ostracized -- usually spends his time alone, making mud pies in the backyard or cooking recipes with his mom and grandma from his family's three cultures. Then, one day, a Pakistani immigrant named Jaz arrives at school, entering Kamal's life and challenging his sluggish movement through the world. As the two boys forge a friendship over their love of exploring the outdoors and eating good food, the newcomer begins to show Kamal how being "different" isn't a bad thing at all. For the first time, a fire is lit within Kamal - but what will happen when questions of Jaz's origins and his intentions begin to come into question at school and in their town? Will Kamal-- now on the cusp of discovering who he really is and who he wants to be -- risk his own safety and his family's trust help his new friend, someone he barely knows at all? Based on the author's personal life experiences, an insightful middle-grade novel from a fresh voice in children's fiction that will be felt long after the last page.

Product Details

Price

$17.99 $16.73

Publisher

Paw Prints Publishing

Publish Date

October 28, 2024

Pages

208

Dimensions

0.0 X 0.0 X 0.0 inches | 0.0 pounds

Language

English

Type

Hardcover

EAN/UPC

9781223188553

BISAC Categories:

Social Themes - Adolescence & Coming of Age

Social Themes - Friendship

Social Themes - Emigration & Immigration

Historical - General

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About the Author

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.

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 CHRONICLE

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