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My comments on Chapter 12 (Theo):

> “I’m positive that Delgado Middle School holds the key to understanding what’s happening to me.” — That sentence should make it into many book reports. It makes clear that Theo is astute, and sets it up so we as readers now should understand why he’s decided to upend his life to spend so much time on that side of town.

> Speaking of “that side of town,” I will say I’m not sure what city Theo and Reef live in. It’s got to be big enough to have a south side and a west side about four and a half miles apart. But small enough that a 12-year-old would be allowed to cycle several miles to another city section. Anyone pick up on clues I’ve missed?

> What a fun scene at Neighborhood Harvest (Breezewood branch!) when the volunteers are having some fun in the hustle to load the truck. I love the baseball analogy and the image of catcalls and cheers when other volunteers make great “plays” during the loading process. And then the definitely illegal trip in the truck’s payload area, with Theo and Portia laughing together at the absurdity of the situation. This is the middle school experience Theo’s dad wants for him!

> But then. Portia dances, Theo has an unexpectedly mood-killing response, and we’re reminded that Reef has some real darkness in his life, and Theo is unwittingly reliving some of it.

> “I’m Theo.”
    “I—I know.” 
     Whoooaaaa. What a way to meet face-to-face for the first time!

> And then the chapter ends with exactly what they’re both thinking: “What’s going on?” 

@Jena Harper: I read most books in e-format. This is one of the first in a long time that I’ve read in print! And I totally get what you’re saying about how easy it is to read “just a little more.” This is my second time for MIXED UP and I’m forcing myself to read one chapter a day.

@Jade: Control-C, Control-V is a lifesaver. I avoid many instances of eyes rolled heavenwards in frustration by highlighting and copying any text I’ve typed into web forms before submitting. Then after the inevitable occasional tech snafu when I have to redo my submission, I can just “paste” and not have to remember what I wrote and retype. (That’s a general comment about the internet, not meant about the Forum exclusively.)

@Raymond Jardine: So… just noticed what should say “My comments on Chapter 10 (Theo)” from my post two days ago actually says “My comments from Chapter 8 (Theo),” because copy-and-paste is a great tool but only if you check what you’re doing and adjust when needed! </self-burn>