Summary
Mom and Dad say I’m a blend of dark and light: “We mixed you perfectly, and got you just right.” Here, finally, is an upbeat, honest look at the experience of a mixed-race child, based on the author’s and artist’s experiences.
Kids love to touch Mike’s hair. They sometimes ask him to choose “sides” between hanging out with black kids or white kids. But Mike just wants to be … Mike!
Sure to be a staple in schools and in family libraries, here’s a book that’s fun to read aloud a…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781250769855 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 125076985X |
| Author: | Taye Diggs, Shane W. Evans |
| Publisher: | St Martin's Press |
| Imprint: | St Martin's Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 32 |
| Release Date: | 27 April 2021 |
| Weight: | 137g |
| Dimensions: | 8mm x 221mm x 272mm |
| Audience Age: | 4 |
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Critics Review
“Mike’s unerring sense of self (“I’m a beautiful blend of dark and light”) and the powerful love that surrounds him make this a rewarding, valuable read for families of any makeup.” –Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
”[A] well-written, fun story of acceptance, friendship, and love. The text, colors, and design make this a good choice for read-alouds, but there are many details in the artwork (usually containing the word “mixed” or a synonym thereof) that make it good for one-on-one sharing.” –School Library Journal, starred review
“Some kids call him “Mixed-up Mike,” but the protagonist makes clear that he isn’t mixed-up at all–just mixed … Mike’s confidence in his own appearance and coolness as well as the way he proudly embodies diversity, including a certain level of androgyny, make this a refreshing read. Evans’ integration of rough-textured fabrics into lively and colorful mixed-media illustrations will make readers want to reach out and touch them.“–Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“For the millions of mixed-race Americans who have to endure the constant questioning of their identity, [Mike] has an answer: “I’m a beautiful blend of dark and light, / I was mixed up perfectly, / and I’m JUST RIGHT!” … The story’s joyful message will resonate with multiracial readers and their families, leaving them with the cheeky takeaway: if you have a problem with me, it’s your problem.” –Booklist
Taye Diggs
Taye Diggs is an actor whose credits include motion pictures (How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Chicago), stage (Rent, Wicked), and television (Private Practice, The Good Wife, Murder in the First). He is also the author of Chocolate Me!, which was his picture book debut. He lives in Los Angeles and New York City with his son.
Shane W. Evans is the illustrator of numerous award-winning books for children, including We March, Underground, and Chocolate Me! He lives with his wife and their daughter in Kansas City, Missouri.
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