Mixed Up

Reef and Theo, two boys who have never met, go through a strange phenomenon: they begin to experience each other’s memories as if they were their own. Using clues to find each other, Theo eventually finds Reef, and the two uncover why this is happening and how to stop it. This story broaches deeper themes as the boys experience each other’s lives, including the loss of a parent, guilt, and acceptance by one’s parents. In an intermediate classroom, teachers may highlight the importance of working together to solve challenging problems or invite students to reflect on and write about the role that memory plays in our daily lives. The points of view readers experience through this novel may encourage discussions about family and how seeing different perspectives can help us understand the complexities of life.