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Home > Books > Merci Suarez Changes Gears
Merci Suarez Changes Gears
Author:
Series: Merci Suarez, Book 1
Genre: Young Readers
ASIN: 076369049X
ISBN: 9780763690496

Merci Suárez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For starters, she’s not exactly like the other kids at Seaward Pines because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. At home, Merci’s most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely and no one in her family will tell her anything about what’s going on with her grandfather. In a coming of age story that features family, friends, frenemies – and ripped off eyebrows – we look at the confusion and constant change that define middle school and the steadfast connection that defines family.

2019 John Newbery Medal, American Library Association
2019 Charlotte Huck Honor Award, NCTE
2018 Kirkus Prize for Literature for Young Readers, Finalist

Five starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Booklist, the Horn Book Magazine and Publisher’s Weekly.

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About the Book
Endorsements
"The strength of this story lies in the authenticity of Merci’s character and her refreshingly sincere responses to the world around her, even and especially when self-conscious or misguided. Her home among her Cuban American family may not always be the refuge she wants, but it is full of love, support, Cuban traditions, and, occasionally, something delicious made by or with Abuela. . . the book closes on a note of promise as Merci leads her team out onto the field for their first game."
– The Horn Book
“Pura Belpré–winning author Medina cruises into readers’ hearts with this luminous middle grade novel. A winning addition to any library’s shelves.”
– School Library Journal, Starred Review
“Medina consistently and assuredly portrays Latinx girls and women who grapple with their insecurities while learning about themselves and their worlds, and middle-grade heroine Merci is a fine example. Accurate and natural use of Spanish words and sayings that fit each character’s tone builds authenticity. Medina writes with sincerity and humor to convey the experience of growing up in a close-knit family that tends to mingle too much in each other’s business while unfailingly and dedicatedly supporting and helping one another.”
– The Horn Book Magazine, Starred Review
Book Club Resources
Other Books in "Merci Suarez"
Merci Suárez Can't Dance
Merci Suárez Plays It Cool
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