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My comments on Chapter 29 (Reef):

> “How could I forget about that?” – Uh, Reef? You reading the same book I’m reading? 

> This is Reef’s chapter, but Theo’s scheming (about using Open School Night to their advantage) kinda makes this his chapter. Brilliant.

> Even reading the book for a second time, my breathing slowed down and I got chilled when Reef found out what he THOUGHT he knew about Covid and Portia and his mom was based on bad information. “I just stare at him, my mouth hanging open.” Me too, Reef.

> “Nothing is different except everything.” If anyone’s going to cry reading MIXED UP, this is a scene to have the tissues at the ready.

> Declan’s citation of chinchillas surviving a lightning strike as a reason “they might not get killed” is awesome.

@Jade, that’s a great observation about Declan and Portia believing the “mixed-up memories” tale. It shows both have open minds, which is admirable and all. But more importantly it makes clear how much they trust Reef and Theo. That’s huge. MIXED UP is so cool for the unexpected bond that develops between the two protagonists, but friendship extends beyond just the two boys. I hadn’t really thought through how much of a leap of faith Portia and Dec have made based on friendship. (And, as a friend of the Gordon Korman Forum, you should never worry a moment about how often you can check in. It’s been a while since I was a student but I recall how crazybusysomuchgoingonIcan’tkeepup it felt in high school.)