Publication Date: 12 February 2026

The Blurb

The must-have book for mixed-raced children – discover the joy of being wholly yourself with Mixed: Explore and Celebrate Your Mixed Identity. Join Emma Slade Edmondson, co-host of the award-winning Mixed Up podcast, as she guides young readers to be their truest selves.

In Mixed, Emma shows kids how to:

• Celebrate what it means to be YOU
• Explore connections to all parts of your heritage
• Discover the history of mixed-race people across the world
• Talk to people about what being mixed-race means to you

Featuring inspirational letters by mixed-race people from a range of cultural backgrounds and filled with practical advice and engaging activities, this is the essential guide for mixed-race children and their families to explore the different parts of their heritage.

With contributions from inspirational mixed-race people such as Dean Atta, Jessie Mei Li and Ashleigh Plumptre, Mixed is the perfect guide for all mixed-race children to help them explore and celebrate their identity.

The Review

There is something incredibly powerful about seeing your own complex reality reflected on the page, and that is exactly what Emma Slade Edmondson has achieved here. Mixed is the kind of book I wish had been on every classroom shelf a decade ago. It moves past the surface-level best of both worlds trope and dives into the heart of what it means to build a personal heritage.

The structure of this book is what truly makes it a standout. It encourages children to become detectives of their own history by exploring the heritage connection, effectively linking them to every branch of their family tree. By framing identity as a journey of discovery, Emma helps young readers find the common threads in their diverse backgrounds.

This journey is further enriched by a chorus of inspirational voices. The inclusion of personal letters from figures like Dean Atta, Jessie Mei Li, and Ashleigh Plumptre provides essential real-world context, showing children that their path is one already well-traveled by modern icons. These stories serve as a powerful reminder that their unique perspective is a strength.

Furthermore, the book is intentionally activity-driven, making the experience deeply interactive. These activities are far more than just filler; they are designed as meaningful exercises in self-celebration. By engaging directly with the prompts, readers can move beyond theory and begin the practical, joyful work of embracing their truest selves.

What I loved most was the tone. It never talks down to its audience. Instead, it empowers them to lead the conversation about their own identity. It’s an essential addition to any home library, fostering confidence in children and providing families with the language to support them.

An empowering and deeply necessary guide. Whether you are a parent, educator, or a young reader looking for your who and why, this book is a celebration of being exactly who you are.

Huge thanks to Clare and Macmillan for sending me a finished copy for review.