Mixed: Explore and Celebrate Your Mixed Identity

To begin with, a disclaimer. I am not of mixed identity. I found this a very informative read, though, about a neglected subject. For children whose identity is mixed, it is full of empowering explanation blended with inspirational messages from a variety of successful people whose backgrounds are mixed in all kinds of ways. For those who, like me, aren't mixed but who work with children who are, it is a helpful reminder of specific worries and difficulties they are likely to be facing.

The author treads a tactful path through the minefield of sensitivities she explores in terms of language, history and cultural belonging, pulling the discourse away from race and towards identity and heritage. The author comes across as keen to support pride in mixed identity but not encourage anger or victimhood. She encourages constructive conversations, with parents and family and those beyond, supplying vocabulary, scripts and tools to make this easier.

The focus is on enabling young people to take control of the discussions themselves, but, for schools, it could also provide some useful starting points and ways to diffuse tension, build mutual understanding and promote empathy. A very handy and readable addition to the school library.

224 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Podcaster and writer Emma Slade Edmondson's latest book Mixed: Explore and Celebrate Your Mixed Identity, has been written as an inspirational guide for mixed race children, their parents and carers to help them discover, explore and celebrate their identity. The book has been designed to encourage confidence so that children feel empowered to embrace their full multiracial identity.

the beginning of the book, Emma writes an open letter to the reader and I love the way that she directly addresses the reader throughout the book, guiding them through each section with reassurance and complete understanding. Always reinforcing that, "my superpower is that I am unique".

Each section is filled with practical advice and engaging activities. I think that readers will really embrace the activities as they have the power to guide them to have conversations about their own identity. Emma encourages young people to talk to their families to discover for themselves about their own unique identity and heritage. Whether that is talking about food, art, language, untold histories, she actively encourages readers to seek and understand what makes them unique, and in turn this gives them a better understanding of who they are.

The book also features inspirational letters from mixed-heritage people from a range of cultural backgrounds. Each letter is unique in its own way and each person talks about their own journey to understanding and embracing their mixed heritage. Letters from Dean Atta, Jessie Me Li and Jassa Ahluwalia to name a few, give practical and inspirational advice to young people who maybe feeling unsure about their own identities.

Mixed is an important book in that it shows young people how to understand and celebrate what it means to be 'you'. I think what every reader should take away from Mixed is what Emma Slade Edmondson states, "The goal is to be proud of who you are and all of the things that make you, you!"

The book is a powerful tool kit packed full of information and exercises for its readers. It has clearly defined chapters which are easy to dip in to, and I like that each chapter features quick dictionary pull-outs to help the reader understand key terms and definitions. The book also comes with a great glossary to help the readers' understanding of key terms.

224 pages / Reviewed by Julie Broadbent, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+