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Mixed Up
From the author of Restart , the story of two boys who are losing their memories... to each other. Reef and Theo don't know what's happening to them. They'll be going about their days and then suddenly they'll have these strange flashes of memory -- but the memories don't belong to them. And at the same time, their own memories are starting to... vanish. For Reef, this is a big problem, because memories are all he has left of his mom. For Theo, it's strange because the new memories give him a freedom he doesn't have with his domineering dad.
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2025
153 people are currently reading
3169 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Korman
251 books4,433 followersGordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
November 14, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“You do a lot of remembering when memories are all you’ve got.”
It's a surreal feeling to read a latest book by an author that you grew up reading, and having him write a story like Mixed Up, which includes Covid as one of the plot's integral points. It made me sit back and think about the days when I first stumbled across his books in our school library's junior fiction shelves, the memories of checking out his books - alongside the many other books that threatened to exceed each student's limit. 😅
“Memory: the mental process of registering, storing, and retrieving information.”
Ah, memories - who would we be without them? Who would be without remembering the people and moments that made up our lives - proved our existence - shared our experiences? How would it feel if one day you woke up and you didn't have them? Couldn't remember your way home? Your child's birth? Your wedding day? Your graduation? Your last birthday party? What if you couldn't remember the face of the one person who matters to you the most - memories so very precious because you know, there will never be a chance in the future for you to make more memories of them? 😟
What would you do then?
For twelve-year-old Reef Moody - the memory of his mother is the one thing he cannot afford to forget - because he'll never get a chance to make more memories with her. It's not only that fear that he's losing her - it's feeling like an unwelcome burden as he has to live with his mother's best friend's family - it's enduring her fourteen-year-old son's relentless torments and bullying, it's the heavy painful guilt that weighs upon his heart, that he holds himself responsible for bringing the Covid virus home and making him and his mother susceptible to it. 😔 And it's that desperate horrified anger that it's not that he's forgetting his memories - it's that he's losing them - that someone else is stealing all the memories of his life - and replacing them with his own. Enter Theo Metzinger.
“It’s frustrating not to be able to remember … especially since I remember so many things I would love to forget. Like what happened to Mom, and the reason why I’m all alone in the world.
Too bad you don’t get to pick what you remember.”
I was really glad that Reed and Theo didn't become best friends right off the bat? I mean, can you blame them? Someone else living with the memories of what defined you - recalling the instances that you treasured - that feeling of frustration and indignation of being so helpless to it - yeah, I wouldn't like it either. And while they are connected 'by a phenomenon that, as far as we know, has never happened to anybody else in the history of the world', they have their own share of personal problems that they have to endure. 🥺 Theo, riddled by the disappointment he feels for not living up to his father's expectations, Reed, forever carrying the guilt of not only being indirectly responsible for his mother's death, but now forgetting her, as well - 'What kind of monster forgets his poor dead mother?'
His grief was not palpable - it was tangible - in the way, that he so fiercely fought to preserve any lingering remnant of her existence - be it a photo or a phone recording - he couldn't even visit her in the hospital, due to the Covid regulations. But, it's through a well-balanced pacing in the story, that we get this believable build-up of anticipation as the two of them eventually were brought into each other's orbit and the realization that their memories were crossing over. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
While they try to find ways to figure out what could be the potential cause for their unfortunate situation, I liked how the author was able to weave some closure to their own personal problems. Admittedly, Reed's bullying issue was resolved a bit underwhelming, but with the same skillful manner of what being kids is all about - taking a risk and a chance to do what's right. And despite Reed's reluctance to befriend Theo, I liked how their friendship steadily grew - as they learned how much more they have in common than they realize - how they related to each other's memories, Theo, especially.
The few glimpses he had to Reed's life were so heart-breaking - a witness to 'a memory of the worst day of somebody’s life', the realization that Reed is a lot worse of than he is - that 'my life may not be perfect, but I’ve never been stuck in a lose-lose situation like that. 😢 There is always that subtle hint of compassion and understanding that resonates in GK's writing - one that you see the growth in the characters as we get closer to the ending - wondering how on earth they're going to figure out a plausible way out of this predicament.
“Some things that happen are so big you’re never the same afterward.”
But, not all is doom and gloom here - there are those brief instances that the author sneaks in the levity that makes me smile - that heartwarming feeling of making new friends and looking at the positive parts of your life. It's the little chuckle I let out when Theo's father comes to cheer on his daughter at her soccer match and Theo observes, 'I don’t know you,” I tell him as I sit down a good distance away.' We've all had those moments, haven't we? 😄 It's the soft recollection of Theo's mother when he inquires if there was anything special about the day he was born - some link that will help narrow down why he and Reed's memories are overlapping - with 'Of course,” Mrs. Metzinger replies with a big smile. “That was when I first became a mother. Nothing’s more special than that.' 🥰 It's the little things that stand out that even if it is a Middle Grade book - these are the books that even parents will appreciate the bond between a parent and their child and how much of our lives and our family members we should not take for granted. 🫂
And that ending... 💔💔 Gordon Korman, you broke my heart. I did not expect you to go down that route, but you did. Yes, I teared up - it was not fair — but life rarely is, isn't it? But, as you always do, you try to find the beauty and good that came out of it. 🥲 'Memory isn’t a total antidote to grief, but in a way, you can keep someone alive in your thoughts.' It may not have been the perfect ideal ending, but it was bittersweet and sadly, painfully real, but with enough hopeful promise for a hopeful future to savor the memories we still have and create new ones, in the years to come. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“You do a lot of remembering when memories are all you’ve got.”
It's a surreal feeling to read a latest book by an author that you grew up reading, and having him write a story like Mixed Up, which includes Covid as one of the plot's integral points. It made me sit back and think about the days when I first stumbled across his books in our school library's junior fiction shelves, the memories of checking out his books - alongside the many other books that threatened to exceed each student's limit. 😅
“Memory: the mental process of registering, storing, and retrieving information.”
Ah, memories - who would we be without them? Who would be without remembering the people and moments that made up our lives - proved our existence - shared our experiences? How would it feel if one day you woke up and you didn't have them? Couldn't remember your way home? Your child's birth? Your wedding day? Your graduation? Your last birthday party? What if you couldn't remember the face of the one person who matters to you the most - memories so very precious because you know, there will never be a chance in the future for you to make more memories of them? 😟
What would you do then?
For twelve-year-old Reef Moody - the memory of his mother is the one thing he cannot afford to forget - because he'll never get a chance to make more memories with her. It's not only that fear that he's losing her - it's feeling like an unwelcome burden as he has to live with his mother's best friend's family - it's enduring her fourteen-year-old son's relentless torments and bullying, it's the heavy painful guilt that weighs upon his heart, that he holds himself responsible for bringing the Covid virus home and making him and his mother susceptible to it. 😔 And it's that desperate horrified anger that it's not that he's forgetting his memories - it's that he's losing them - that someone else is stealing all the memories of his life - and replacing them with his own. Enter Theo Metzinger.
“It’s frustrating not to be able to remember … especially since I remember so many things I would love to forget. Like what happened to Mom, and the reason why I’m all alone in the world.
Too bad you don’t get to pick what you remember.”
I was really glad that Reed and Theo didn't become best friends right off the bat? I mean, can you blame them? Someone else living with the memories of what defined you - recalling the instances that you treasured - that feeling of frustration and indignation of being so helpless to it - yeah, I wouldn't like it either. And while they are connected 'by a phenomenon that, as far as we know, has never happened to anybody else in the history of the world', they have their own share of personal problems that they have to endure. 🥺 Theo, riddled by the disappointment he feels for not living up to his father's expectations, Reed, forever carrying the guilt of not only being indirectly responsible for his mother's death, but now forgetting her, as well - 'What kind of monster forgets his poor dead mother?'
His grief was not palpable - it was tangible - in the way, that he so fiercely fought to preserve any lingering remnant of her existence - be it a photo or a phone recording - he couldn't even visit her in the hospital, due to the Covid regulations. But, it's through a well-balanced pacing in the story, that we get this believable build-up of anticipation as the two of them eventually were brought into each other's orbit and the realization that their memories were crossing over. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
While they try to find ways to figure out what could be the potential cause for their unfortunate situation, I liked how the author was able to weave some closure to their own personal problems. Admittedly, Reed's bullying issue was resolved a bit underwhelming, but with the same skillful manner of what being kids is all about - taking a risk and a chance to do what's right. And despite Reed's reluctance to befriend Theo, I liked how their friendship steadily grew - as they learned how much more they have in common than they realize - how they related to each other's memories, Theo, especially.
The few glimpses he had to Reed's life were so heart-breaking - a witness to 'a memory of the worst day of somebody’s life', the realization that Reed is a lot worse of than he is - that 'my life may not be perfect, but I’ve never been stuck in a lose-lose situation like that. 😢 There is always that subtle hint of compassion and understanding that resonates in GK's writing - one that you see the growth in the characters as we get closer to the ending - wondering how on earth they're going to figure out a plausible way out of this predicament.
“Some things that happen are so big you’re never the same afterward.”
But, not all is doom and gloom here - there are those brief instances that the author sneaks in the levity that makes me smile - that heartwarming feeling of making new friends and looking at the positive parts of your life. It's the little chuckle I let out when Theo's father comes to cheer on his daughter at her soccer match and Theo observes, 'I don’t know you,” I tell him as I sit down a good distance away.' We've all had those moments, haven't we? 😄 It's the soft recollection of Theo's mother when he inquires if there was anything special about the day he was born - some link that will help narrow down why he and Reed's memories are overlapping - with 'Of course,” Mrs. Metzinger replies with a big smile. “That was when I first became a mother. Nothing’s more special than that.' 🥰 It's the little things that stand out that even if it is a Middle Grade book - these are the books that even parents will appreciate the bond between a parent and their child and how much of our lives and our family members we should not take for granted. 🫂
And that ending... 💔💔 Gordon Korman, you broke my heart. I did not expect you to go down that route, but you did. Yes, I teared up - it was not fair — but life rarely is, isn't it? But, as you always do, you try to find the beauty and good that came out of it. 🥲 'Memory isn’t a total antidote to grief, but in a way, you can keep someone alive in your thoughts.' It may not have been the perfect ideal ending, but it was bittersweet and sadly, painfully real, but with enough hopeful promise for a hopeful future to savor the memories we still have and create new ones, in the years to come. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
October 13, 2025
This is a book that will likely “stay” with me quite a while. At first glance it appears to be a goofy story but it’s actually dark and poignant at times. If an adult novel, it could’ve gotten really dark, creepy, and heart-wrenching. As a MG novel, it pulls back before it gets that far. The book has light moments, but it has a lot of serious things in it, too. It was very gripping and suspenseful; original and highly recommended.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: Mild
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: Mild
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
July 29, 2023
Another amazing read from the masterful pen of Gordon Korman! I love reading Gordon Korman books, either by myself or with one or more of my children. This story just published in 2023 by Scholastic Canada, it is the 102 book published by Korman. And of the 32 I have read there has yet to be a dud. My introduction to Korman’s works, that I have a record of was the 39 Clues back in 2009. Since then I have read 32 of his books. With each one I read I am entertained and often challenged. My son often reads these books to me or with me. I picked up this to read the week it released. I have been bouncing back and forth between his oldest and most recent books, for the stand alone, and randomly with the series. I have been reading at the pace of about a book a week, so in a year and a half I should be caught up, depending on his current output.
The description of this volume is:
“Reef and Theo don't know what's happening to them. They'll be going about their days and then suddenly they'll have these strange flashes of memory -- but the memories don't belong to them. And at the same time, their own memories are starting to... vanish.
For Reef, this is a big problem, because memories are all he has left of his mom.
For Theo, it's strange because the new memories give him a freedom he doesn't have with his domineering dad.”
When I started first reading this story I had a hard time figuring out where it was going. I had not read the description or anything about it. But once I got going and it became clean I was blown away by how Korman handled the plot. The story is written in alternating chapters from the points of view of Reef Moody and Theo Metzinger. Both of them are experience a strange phenomenon. The boys have lived very different lives, but soon start having memories that they know are not their own. The two boys are trading memories and both are hunting to find out why. They need to know what caused this, and if their might be a way to undo it.
But life can get very complicated when you start forgetting things, especially, right at the beginning of an exam, or heading home late at night in a storm. The boys reach a point where desperation overrides common sense. Or even all sense at all. But if you are losing all your memories what else do you really have to lose?
The pace in this story is great. The characters are masterfully written. The story grabs a hold of you and just does not let go. This is another excellent read by Korman from Scholastic. A great read for middle grades and tweens. My son is 15 and loved it and I am in my fifties and thought it was excellent. A great read for the whole family, or for the classroom.
The description of this volume is:
“Reef and Theo don't know what's happening to them. They'll be going about their days and then suddenly they'll have these strange flashes of memory -- but the memories don't belong to them. And at the same time, their own memories are starting to... vanish.
For Reef, this is a big problem, because memories are all he has left of his mom.
For Theo, it's strange because the new memories give him a freedom he doesn't have with his domineering dad.”
When I started first reading this story I had a hard time figuring out where it was going. I had not read the description or anything about it. But once I got going and it became clean I was blown away by how Korman handled the plot. The story is written in alternating chapters from the points of view of Reef Moody and Theo Metzinger. Both of them are experience a strange phenomenon. The boys have lived very different lives, but soon start having memories that they know are not their own. The two boys are trading memories and both are hunting to find out why. They need to know what caused this, and if their might be a way to undo it.
But life can get very complicated when you start forgetting things, especially, right at the beginning of an exam, or heading home late at night in a storm. The boys reach a point where desperation overrides common sense. Or even all sense at all. But if you are losing all your memories what else do you really have to lose?
The pace in this story is great. The characters are masterfully written. The story grabs a hold of you and just does not let go. This is another excellent read by Korman from Scholastic. A great read for middle grades and tweens. My son is 15 and loved it and I am in my fifties and thought it was excellent. A great read for the whole family, or for the classroom.
August 29, 2023
I liked it…but I didn’t love it. I think Restart has ruined me for all future Korman books! The fantasy aspect of this one reminded me a little too much of Back to the Future. It just wasn’t real. But I did appreciate the post-covid emotions about decisions and guilt. Totally enjoyable but Restart is such a tough act to follow.
March 2, 2025
Rating: *winces in pain* / 5
So...yeah, I didn't enjoy this. I'm usually 100% a fan of Gordon Korman reads, and although I've found that his characters and narratives are rather similar/recycled in each of his books, that one unique aspect (in this case, memory-switching) that is the hook is enough to keep me interested enough to engage with the story. For the most part, the middle school tone he conjures up does seem to be genuine.
In this book however, it's like he mashed up all the uncomfortable parts of that age together and just...hoped readers would get something out of it.
For me, it wasn't gripping from the first few pages--which is what I'm used to from this author--and just seemed to go downhill the more I read from it. I mean, for instance, neither Reef nor Theo seem particularly likeable--more so Reef. He's sad because his mom died, which is understandable; but that doesn't explain why he's a total pushover and just lets Declan get away with everything short of (or maybe even including) murder. Like...it's not so much that he's treated like a charity case, but rather that he interprets that everyone else is treating him like a charity case, and all the times others are nice to him and whatnot is because of his mother passing away and her best friend's family sort-of taking him in. (By the way, did they ever officially adopt him, or is this a temp, gray-area type of situation or something?) But anyway, I just saw him as being too much of a pushover, and while he said that he's already too far gone so that he doesn't care about anything anymore, the author sure does present him as a "poor little orphan boy" character. I just didn't resonate with that.
As for Theo, I do think it's unusual to have a boy his age interested in gardening, but I thought that was refreshingly unique. What wasn't unique was the fact that he has an asshole father who wants him to "man up". Gah, that's just...so unoriginal. *cringes* Like...what would've been a cool idea is if Reef's life is bad, then make Theo's life really good, and maybe replace Theo's good memories with Reef's bad ones, such that each of them is getting a full taste of what it's like on the other side. (i.e. Reef feeling like he has a supportive father in direct contrast to how his real father was never in the picture. Just saying, that would've been a greater difference between the two characters, and far more engaging than giving them both problems to deal with!)
So...yeah, this one didn't do it for me, and that's unfortunate since it's one of Gordon Korman's more recent works.
Restart still reins supreme, no question about it!
So...yeah, I didn't enjoy this. I'm usually 100% a fan of Gordon Korman reads, and although I've found that his characters and narratives are rather similar/recycled in each of his books, that one unique aspect (in this case, memory-switching) that is the hook is enough to keep me interested enough to engage with the story. For the most part, the middle school tone he conjures up does seem to be genuine.
In this book however, it's like he mashed up all the uncomfortable parts of that age together and just...hoped readers would get something out of it.
For me, it wasn't gripping from the first few pages--which is what I'm used to from this author--and just seemed to go downhill the more I read from it. I mean, for instance, neither Reef nor Theo seem particularly likeable--more so Reef. He's sad because his mom died, which is understandable; but that doesn't explain why he's a total pushover and just lets Declan get away with everything short of (or maybe even including) murder. Like...it's not so much that he's treated like a charity case, but rather that he interprets that everyone else is treating him like a charity case, and all the times others are nice to him and whatnot is because of his mother passing away and her best friend's family sort-of taking him in. (By the way, did they ever officially adopt him, or is this a temp, gray-area type of situation or something?) But anyway, I just saw him as being too much of a pushover, and while he said that he's already too far gone so that he doesn't care about anything anymore, the author sure does present him as a "poor little orphan boy" character. I just didn't resonate with that.
As for Theo, I do think it's unusual to have a boy his age interested in gardening, but I thought that was refreshingly unique. What wasn't unique was the fact that he has an asshole father who wants him to "man up". Gah, that's just...so unoriginal. *cringes* Like...what would've been a cool idea is if Reef's life is bad, then make Theo's life really good, and maybe replace Theo's good memories with Reef's bad ones, such that each of them is getting a full taste of what it's like on the other side. (i.e. Reef feeling like he has a supportive father in direct contrast to how his real father was never in the picture. Just saying, that would've been a greater difference between the two characters, and far more engaging than giving them both problems to deal with!)
So...yeah, this one didn't do it for me, and that's unfortunate since it's one of Gordon Korman's more recent works.
Restart still reins supreme, no question about it!
May 5, 2024
This book was good, it was funny, it was sad. Reef bothered me a lot. He had a lot of only child to him, the way he put up with Declan and talked about his mom, and could t accept the fact that he had to share his moms face with another kid? He was a little too annoyed at literally everyone 24/7 for me to enjoy him as a character, and while I get it, his mom died, but like… wouldn’t you want someone to reach out and be your friend and help you with the memory thing? He was so against fixing it even though he complained about it and it’s like buddy, if u got a problem ur mom ain’t here anymore, go help this kid who wants to be your friend help you. Declan had great development but there were so many empty threats with him and Konrad I was just like, yeah tough stuff come get me? I also feel like much WASNT resolved with the parents. Or how his mom got actually sick…. Causeeeee if Portia had mono who’s to say he didn’t give his mom mono…. From Portia….. Theo was a good character but I feel like his love of gardening which is half his personality had to be thrown aside for the sake of the plot, which was sad cause I really enjoyed it.
September 1, 2023
I love all Korman's books, but this one I was cheering for a different ending than he gave it.
I wanted it all to be a "wizard of oz" moment, where he wakes up and none of that really happened. His mom still alive, his life returned as he remembered.
But it wasn't so.
A story where two young boys who've never met begin getting/losing their memories to one another, look for any reasonable answer as to why.
As they find one another, life changes more than they could expect.
It was a good, heartwarming book, but I wish Reef could have his own life back there at the end.
Oh well.
I wanted it all to be a "wizard of oz" moment, where he wakes up and none of that really happened. His mom still alive, his life returned as he remembered.
But it wasn't so.
A story where two young boys who've never met begin getting/losing their memories to one another, look for any reasonable answer as to why.
As they find one another, life changes more than they could expect.
It was a good, heartwarming book, but I wish Reef could have his own life back there at the end.
Oh well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
what made them think getting struck by lightning was the solution. The whole book borders on insanity.
January 1, 2024
Fresh take the on body-switching trope, mixed with genuine palpable emotion. Korman knows how to deliver to the middle-grade crowd without outright pandering. I have a great appreciation for his timing and delivery. The rabbit was great.
52 Book Club Challenge24: #28 - A yellow spine
RATL 24: Science Fiction
52 Book Club Challenge24: #28 - A yellow spine
RATL 24: Science Fiction
August 8, 2024
"Mixed Up" falls into the science fiction genre but is mostly still just realistic fiction. It presents the intriguing premise of two boys, Reef and Theo, inexplicably losing their memories to each other. The concept is captivating: they experience strange flashes of memories that don’t belong to them while their own memories start to disappear. For Reef, this is devastating because his memories of his mom are all he has left of her. For Theo, these new memories offer a sense of freedom from his domineering father’s control.
I found "Mixed Up" to be a major disappointment, just like the only other Korman book I've read. Both readings, I had no choice in the matter. Despite his popularity, I struggle to understand the appeal of his work. The premise of this book is engaging, but the execution falls flat. The explanation behind the memory swapping and its resolution are poorly developed and unsatisfying.
Things I Didn't Like:
Overall, "Mixed Up" had a promising premise but was ultimately bogged down by problematic messages, unrealistic scenarios, and underdeveloped plot resolutions. It’s a book I struggled to connect with and didn’t enjoy reading.
I found "Mixed Up" to be a major disappointment, just like the only other Korman book I've read. Both readings, I had no choice in the matter. Despite his popularity, I struggle to understand the appeal of his work. The premise of this book is engaging, but the execution falls flat. The explanation behind the memory swapping and its resolution are poorly developed and unsatisfying.
Things I Didn't Like:
Overall, "Mixed Up" had a promising premise but was ultimately bogged down by problematic messages, unrealistic scenarios, and underdeveloped plot resolutions. It’s a book I struggled to connect with and didn’t enjoy reading.
December 10, 2023
I don’t normally review books, but this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I love Gordon Korman in general, so I had to read this.
Most of his books have at least four different perspectives, and I liked how this one only had two. This might be his first book where he’s done that, and if it is, I think he did it very well.
I loved the whole Reef thing with his mom and how Theo pieces it together and wanted to tell him that it wasn’t his fault. I thought the whole thing with Jaws was hilarious. I loved how Declan started calling Reef his brother after they helped with the Kiorsky kid. I also really liked Portia and how she was actually developed and not just a love interest.
My favorite moments:
- When Reef kicks Declan and Theo forgets the martial arts kick
- When Theo tracks down Reef with the cupola
- When Theo and Reef text about random things they forgot
- When Theo stops his dad from killing Jaws
- When Declan pays the principal back what Reef “owed” her and says he’s innocent
- When Declan gets really mad about the weather
- When Theo hugs his dad because he thinks he’s gonna die
- When they are rolling the tire through the school and have to explain it to the principal
- When Declan saves the principal
- When Theo forgets his dad “ruled the school”
- When Jaws pees on Reef’s shirt
It was a bit of a letdown when they didn’t get their memories back, but I think that’s the only thing I disliked about this book.
It’s overall very well written. I think this is one of Gordon Korman’s best books, and I high recommend it.
Most of his books have at least four different perspectives, and I liked how this one only had two. This might be his first book where he’s done that, and if it is, I think he did it very well.
I loved the whole Reef thing with his mom and how Theo pieces it together and wanted to tell him that it wasn’t his fault. I thought the whole thing with Jaws was hilarious. I loved how Declan started calling Reef his brother after they helped with the Kiorsky kid. I also really liked Portia and how she was actually developed and not just a love interest.
My favorite moments:
- When Reef kicks Declan and Theo forgets the martial arts kick
- When Theo tracks down Reef with the cupola
- When Theo and Reef text about random things they forgot
- When Theo stops his dad from killing Jaws
- When Declan pays the principal back what Reef “owed” her and says he’s innocent
- When Declan gets really mad about the weather
- When Theo hugs his dad because he thinks he’s gonna die
- When they are rolling the tire through the school and have to explain it to the principal
- When Declan saves the principal
- When Theo forgets his dad “ruled the school”
- When Jaws pees on Reef’s shirt
It was a bit of a letdown when they didn’t get their memories back, but I think that’s the only thing I disliked about this book.
It’s overall very well written. I think this is one of Gordon Korman’s best books, and I high recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
Two completely different boys. But they have one thing in common: They're losing their memories — to each other.
✏️ Review ✏️
Mixed Up is another enjoyable Korman read that features a slight sci-fi twist. The storyline did indeed keep me reading (I read 150+ pages in one day), but I didn't find it as enjoyable as some of Gordon Korman's other stories. The sci-fi element is believable and perhaps a bit elementary; it might not be everyone's style, but if you like some minor sci-fi vibes, then I'm quite sure you'll enjoy reading Mixed Up.
Reef's a really sympathetic character (I feel so bad for him! 😔 He just needs a good friend). And Theo's such a perceptive observer! He hits the nail right on the head when he calls out doctors always using plural pronouns when addressing a patient and talking about our health and how we need to do this or that to get better health results. Lol! It's so true (try listening closer at your next doctor appointment).
Once again, I appreciate Korman's clean and laughable humor. Mixed Up goes in my clean MG fiction repertoire that I'd recommend to all ages.
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The writing style — it sounds so realistic and natural, flowing smoothly from beginning to end.
• Most of the plot — it's fun, engaging, and enjoyable.
• The two MC's — they feature some intriguing development and exhibit distinctive personalities.
• The clean humor.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• The lack of a concrete explanation of the sci-fi elements; although for this story it's presented at least decently but just could've had more structure.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes.*
— To whom? To those who enjoy contemporary middle grade stories that feature minor sci-fi elements.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3/5
— 📝 Writing: 4/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• Trigger warning: Predominant thematic elements of parental death; some very brief instances recounting cause and circumstances of death.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• (None)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
✏️ Review ✏️
Mixed Up is another enjoyable Korman read that features a slight sci-fi twist. The storyline did indeed keep me reading (I read 150+ pages in one day), but I didn't find it as enjoyable as some of Gordon Korman's other stories. The sci-fi element is believable and perhaps a bit elementary; it might not be everyone's style, but if you like some minor sci-fi vibes, then I'm quite sure you'll enjoy reading Mixed Up.
Reef's a really sympathetic character (I feel so bad for him! 😔 He just needs a good friend). And Theo's such a perceptive observer! He hits the nail right on the head when he calls out doctors always using plural pronouns when addressing a patient and talking about our health and how we need to do this or that to get better health results. Lol! It's so true (try listening closer at your next doctor appointment).
Once again, I appreciate Korman's clean and laughable humor. Mixed Up goes in my clean MG fiction repertoire that I'd recommend to all ages.
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The writing style — it sounds so realistic and natural, flowing smoothly from beginning to end.
• Most of the plot — it's fun, engaging, and enjoyable.
• The two MC's — they feature some intriguing development and exhibit distinctive personalities.
• The clean humor.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• The lack of a concrete explanation of the sci-fi elements; although for this story it's presented at least decently but just could've had more structure.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes.*
— To whom? To those who enjoy contemporary middle grade stories that feature minor sci-fi elements.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3/5
— 📝 Writing: 4/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• Trigger warning: Predominant thematic elements of parental death; some very brief instances recounting cause and circumstances of death.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• (None)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
October 16, 2024
4.5 Stars
June 9, 2025
Imagine if your memories are slowly fading away.... and then another person remembers them. Crazy right? This is another AMAZING Gordon Korman book. I definitely recommend it! 📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
This is an enjoyable and accessible read. It will definitely appeal to middle school readers. I enjoyed the writing style, and the characters are well developed. The climax of the story felt a little bit forced, but that seems to fit with this particular genre. I will definitely read other books by this author.
November 12, 2024
Improbable, melodramatic, surrealistic plot
The plot of this middle-grade novel is a big departure for GK. He does not typically write stories with a fantasy element. And the fantasy element in this novel is a really strange, surrealistic way to incorporate fantasy into an otherwise realistic story. Two boys, who were born on the same day, in the same hospital, and shared the same NICU incubator, 12 years later, with inexplicable timing, suddenly begin experiencing a psychic connection, in which they are switching memories. A lightning strike is the magical reason for this occurrence as well as its resolution, in an improbable homage to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein from 1818.
In terms of the realistic portion of this novel, I was particularly frustrated with the character of Declan. The motivation for his switch from sociopath to normal, empathetic teen over the course of the novel is as ridiculously unbelievable as the fantasy elements in this book.
Over the course of the previous year, I have read quite a few of GK's novels. Unfortunately, I have only enjoyed his comedies. His dramas, even when there is no weird fantasy element stuck in the middle of them, such as is the case for this novel, are just too far-fetched and melodramatic for my personal taste. I do understand, though, that his target audience, preteen boys who are reluctant readers, will very likely enjoy this book. For that reason, I would rate this book 4 stars on their behalf, and 2 stars on my behalf, averaging that to 3 stars.
The plot of this middle-grade novel is a big departure for GK. He does not typically write stories with a fantasy element. And the fantasy element in this novel is a really strange, surrealistic way to incorporate fantasy into an otherwise realistic story. Two boys, who were born on the same day, in the same hospital, and shared the same NICU incubator, 12 years later, with inexplicable timing, suddenly begin experiencing a psychic connection, in which they are switching memories. A lightning strike is the magical reason for this occurrence as well as its resolution, in an improbable homage to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein from 1818.
In terms of the realistic portion of this novel, I was particularly frustrated with the character of Declan. The motivation for his switch from sociopath to normal, empathetic teen over the course of the novel is as ridiculously unbelievable as the fantasy elements in this book.
Over the course of the previous year, I have read quite a few of GK's novels. Unfortunately, I have only enjoyed his comedies. His dramas, even when there is no weird fantasy element stuck in the middle of them, such as is the case for this novel, are just too far-fetched and melodramatic for my personal taste. I do understand, though, that his target audience, preteen boys who are reluctant readers, will very likely enjoy this book. For that reason, I would rate this book 4 stars on their behalf, and 2 stars on my behalf, averaging that to 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2023
I received a free copy of, Mixed Up, by Gordon Korman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Theo lost his mom and his family, living with a foster family is not easy especially when his foster brother hates him. Theo starts having other memories that are not his own, and losing his own memories, which are so precious to him, because they are memories of his mom. Reef Moody has been getting Theo's memories, and losing his own. This was a great read, I felt so bad for Theo, losing his mom and nobody believing in him or sticking up for him, then to start losing his memories and gaining someone else's. This book was a little freaky.
December 6, 2023
Gordon Korman is one of my favorite middle school authors, and this one did not disappoint.
I particularly enjoy his using 2, sometimes more, character voices to tell the story.
Also this one was written after Covid, which becomes part of the story.
Reef and Theo live in the same city, but in different areas, go to different schools and have different family lives.
When they meet, Reef wants nothing to do with Theo, but due to an inexplicable condition they both seem to be "suffering" from, he has no choice but to associate with Theo.
They come to terms with the unexplainable in a most unusual way, and find that they will continue to need to support each other as their life journey continues.
I particularly enjoy his using 2, sometimes more, character voices to tell the story.
Also this one was written after Covid, which becomes part of the story.
Reef and Theo live in the same city, but in different areas, go to different schools and have different family lives.
When they meet, Reef wants nothing to do with Theo, but due to an inexplicable condition they both seem to be "suffering" from, he has no choice but to associate with Theo.
They come to terms with the unexplainable in a most unusual way, and find that they will continue to need to support each other as their life journey continues.
April 20, 2025
This story is another one of Gordon Korman’s novels that mixes his trademark humour with thoughtful, tender moments related to family dynamic struggles, friendship, and grief and loss. The premise of the memory switches is intriguing, but it is the lessons the boys learn about themselves and their families that linger with me.
January 8, 2026
Super interesting concept and very well written. The plot moved quickly but there was still ample opportunity to get to know the characters and see them grow. I read this in two sittings, not just because it’s an easy read (though it is written for middle grades after all) but because I was thoroughly engaged. I can see why Gordon Korman is often suggested for reluctant readers!
November 6, 2023
An interesting premise where two boys start sharing memories. It didn't end the way I had hoped, but it was a decent book that many boys age 10-14 would enjoy. Not my favorite Gordan Korman though.
May 16, 2024
I loved this book. It’s the first YA that I’ve read that includes Covid but doesn’t make it the center focus. Such a powerful message about human connection
November 16, 2024
Likeable characters. I waiting the whole book for the plot to make more sense, a big reveal to say oh, that’s why. I missed that.
October 9, 2024
Very good idea for a book. It’s nice to read because the conflict takes a while to get resolved.
May 23, 2023
ARC provided by publisher.
Mixed Up is once again another awesome addition to the Gordon Korman library. Whether you have read his books for a long time or he's new to you, I definitely recommend this book.
Mixed Up's plot is similar to Korman's early 2022 book Operation Do-Over (a personal favorite of mine), borrowing some sci-fi like themes but with the usual Gordon Korman touch.
The protagonists Reef and Theo began swapping memories even though both don't know each other and live on opposite sides of the city. The memory swaps are hard on Reef because he's losing precious memories of his mother who recently passed away. Theo is losing simple information from his life that he needs for everyday things.
The two must find each other and try to get to the bottom of this strange mystery and get their rightful memories back.
Great book. Great characters. My only complaint was Reef's mom's cause of death was covid, which I thought was a little unrealistic.
Mixed Up is once again another awesome addition to the Gordon Korman library. Whether you have read his books for a long time or he's new to you, I definitely recommend this book.
Mixed Up's plot is similar to Korman's early 2022 book Operation Do-Over (a personal favorite of mine), borrowing some sci-fi like themes but with the usual Gordon Korman touch.
The protagonists Reef and Theo began swapping memories even though both don't know each other and live on opposite sides of the city. The memory swaps are hard on Reef because he's losing precious memories of his mother who recently passed away. Theo is losing simple information from his life that he needs for everyday things.
The two must find each other and try to get to the bottom of this strange mystery and get their rightful memories back.
Great book. Great characters. My only complaint was Reef's mom's cause of death was covid, which I thought was a little unrealistic.
Read
February 3, 2023As with Restart, Korman writes a mind-melding story where two middle school boys, unknown to each other, start trading memories. Reef is mourning the death of his mom while living with his mom's best friend's family, one of whom intensely doesn't want Reef around. Theo loves plants more than people much to his outgoing father's chagrin. Both boys are unhappy in their own ways and then they each start having strange memory flash backs of things they are sure have not happened to them. Eventually they meet, their lives get more and more challenging as they lose more of their own memories and then come up with a scheme to set things right.
February 14, 2023
Reef and Theo are middle schoolers who live on opposite sides of the city. Reef's mom has just died and he is living with his mom's best friend and her family. He feels lost and is made to feel not welcome by their youngest son, Declan. Theo lives in a home that seems terrific, but he does not meet his dad's expectations of what a middle schooler should be like. The boys start having these memories that do not belong to themselves. Then they start actually forgetting things they have done in their life. Eventually, Theo takes matters into his own hands to try and figure out what's going on. This would be a great read aloud for any middle school grade.
June 14, 2023
This was my first book by Gordon Korman and oh WOW… he get you invested in characters and their developments!
I will say that the major part of the story I felt very not on board with but I’m also not a teen and I think that many kids I’m this age group will love the what almost feels like… Freaky Friday of it all. Both Theo and Reef won my heart and how amazing would it be to visit these characters plus supporting characters again. I mean come on by the end I was rooting for Declan!
I definitely will be checking out more of this authors work!
Thank you Netgalley and Scholastic Press for this advance ecopy!
I will say that the major part of the story I felt very not on board with but I’m also not a teen and I think that many kids I’m this age group will love the what almost feels like… Freaky Friday of it all. Both Theo and Reef won my heart and how amazing would it be to visit these characters plus supporting characters again. I mean come on by the end I was rooting for Declan!
I definitely will be checking out more of this authors work!
Thank you Netgalley and Scholastic Press for this advance ecopy!
May 13, 2024
I don't think I've ever read a book by Gordon Korman I don't like.
April 9, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Twelve year old Reef Moody never knew his father, so when his mother passed away from COVID, he was lucky to be taken in by his mother's best friend, Jenna, and her husband Will. The Helmers are nice, and Liam and Caroline are accepting of their new family member, but Declan, who is two years older, is absolutely horrible to Reef. He throws things at him in his sleep, and even steals the principal's purse and hides it in Reef's sock drawer. Knowing that Reef has had a hard time, it is agreed that if he replaces the $200 that was stolen, he won't get in further trouble, so Reef has to deal with all of the garbage in the Helmer household for $20 per week. Across town, Theo Metzinger has his own troubles. His father wishes that Theo had more friends, did more activities, and had more interests than keeping the local rabbit menace, Jaws, away from the family vegetable garden. Theo is always being admonished to toughen up and "be a man", which just irritates him. Even his younger sister seems to fulfill his father's ideas about what he should be like better than Theor does. Both boys start to have memories that don't seem to belong to them, and at the same time, start to forget parts of their own lives. When a local warehouse fire shows a nearby school, Theo knows that it is the school from his memories and bikes the four miles across town to investigate. Once there, he meets Portia, whom he has seen in the memories, outside the school. In an uncharacteristic burst of extrovertism, he chats her up and finds out that she works at a local food pantry. In order to find out more about why he has memories of her, he works the food pantry into his schedule, along with martial arts and seeing a therapist. Reef struggles on, missing his mother and having to deal with Declan. His biggest fear is forgetting his mother, whose COVID death he blames on himself. Portia had had a birthday party, but then gotten sick, and Reef knows he passed on the virus to his mother. When the boys finally meet, they recognize each other and try to figure out what happened to connect their brains. It all comes down to the fact that they were born on the same day in the same hospital, so they investigate until they locate a nurse who was there the day they were born. She has some information about what happened, and the boys decide that in order to disconnect their brains, they need to recreate the environment that led to the connection. This isn't easy, especially since Declan and a local reprobate are trying to work out a food pantry heist. Will the boys be able to make peace with their lives and regain their own memories?
Strengths: This was another fascinating premise from Korman, who has done several other interesting reflections about identity, like Restart and Operation Do-Over. Who are we if we can't remember what has happened in our lives? Reef's situation is both emotionally dire but physically pretty stable; Will and Jenna are very kind and understanding, and I like to think that after his problems with Declan are resolved, Reef will have a decent life, even though it will be sadder without his mother. Theo is able to show his father that there are ways other than his own to be a successful person. Portia is an interesting character who is friends with both boys and holds many elements of the story together. There's just enough unexplained phenomena in this one to categorize it as fantasy, but enough real world problems to appeal to even the most fantasy-averse reader.
Weaknesses: Declan was so utterly evil to Reef that it was hard to believe that he would turn himself around, but it was good to see that he was able to. While the parental death was a key plot element, it's still just never my favorite topic.
What I really think: As long as my students don't try to get hit by lightning while in a bouncy castle, I think this is a fun read with some very interesting ideas. I frequently recommend Korman titles to teachers as literature circle choices, since it is hard to go wrong with his work. This is dedicated to Korman fan "Raymond Jardine", @theamelpos, from Twitter, and now I really need to go back and read A Semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag!
Twelve year old Reef Moody never knew his father, so when his mother passed away from COVID, he was lucky to be taken in by his mother's best friend, Jenna, and her husband Will. The Helmers are nice, and Liam and Caroline are accepting of their new family member, but Declan, who is two years older, is absolutely horrible to Reef. He throws things at him in his sleep, and even steals the principal's purse and hides it in Reef's sock drawer. Knowing that Reef has had a hard time, it is agreed that if he replaces the $200 that was stolen, he won't get in further trouble, so Reef has to deal with all of the garbage in the Helmer household for $20 per week. Across town, Theo Metzinger has his own troubles. His father wishes that Theo had more friends, did more activities, and had more interests than keeping the local rabbit menace, Jaws, away from the family vegetable garden. Theo is always being admonished to toughen up and "be a man", which just irritates him. Even his younger sister seems to fulfill his father's ideas about what he should be like better than Theor does. Both boys start to have memories that don't seem to belong to them, and at the same time, start to forget parts of their own lives. When a local warehouse fire shows a nearby school, Theo knows that it is the school from his memories and bikes the four miles across town to investigate. Once there, he meets Portia, whom he has seen in the memories, outside the school. In an uncharacteristic burst of extrovertism, he chats her up and finds out that she works at a local food pantry. In order to find out more about why he has memories of her, he works the food pantry into his schedule, along with martial arts and seeing a therapist. Reef struggles on, missing his mother and having to deal with Declan. His biggest fear is forgetting his mother, whose COVID death he blames on himself. Portia had had a birthday party, but then gotten sick, and Reef knows he passed on the virus to his mother. When the boys finally meet, they recognize each other and try to figure out what happened to connect their brains. It all comes down to the fact that they were born on the same day in the same hospital, so they investigate until they locate a nurse who was there the day they were born. She has some information about what happened, and the boys decide that in order to disconnect their brains, they need to recreate the environment that led to the connection. This isn't easy, especially since Declan and a local reprobate are trying to work out a food pantry heist. Will the boys be able to make peace with their lives and regain their own memories?
Strengths: This was another fascinating premise from Korman, who has done several other interesting reflections about identity, like Restart and Operation Do-Over. Who are we if we can't remember what has happened in our lives? Reef's situation is both emotionally dire but physically pretty stable; Will and Jenna are very kind and understanding, and I like to think that after his problems with Declan are resolved, Reef will have a decent life, even though it will be sadder without his mother. Theo is able to show his father that there are ways other than his own to be a successful person. Portia is an interesting character who is friends with both boys and holds many elements of the story together. There's just enough unexplained phenomena in this one to categorize it as fantasy, but enough real world problems to appeal to even the most fantasy-averse reader.
Weaknesses: Declan was so utterly evil to Reef that it was hard to believe that he would turn himself around, but it was good to see that he was able to. While the parental death was a key plot element, it's still just never my favorite topic.
What I really think: As long as my students don't try to get hit by lightning while in a bouncy castle, I think this is a fun read with some very interesting ideas. I frequently recommend Korman titles to teachers as literature circle choices, since it is hard to go wrong with his work. This is dedicated to Korman fan "Raymond Jardine", @theamelpos, from Twitter, and now I really need to go back and read A Semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag!
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