Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice

Manuela Mani Semilla is a 12 year old Chinese Filipino Guatemalan American girl struggling with late blooming compared to her friends. When her mother plans a trip to Guatemala for her 13th birthday, Mani discovers hidden letters in the attic that reveal her Tía Beatriz did not die in a bus accident as she was told. The truth about her family's flight from Guatemala intersects with Mani's current struggles at school, where she and her friends face harassment. She must decide whether to stay silent or use her quetzal voice to demand change. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with femicide and gender based violence in Guatemala in a direct, serious, yet age appropriate manner. It also addresses school based sexual harassment and body shaming. The resolution is realistic and empowering, focusing on collective action. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a relatable, slightly humorous focus on puberty and friendship. It gradually builds in intensity as Mani uncovers historical and personal trauma, ending on a hopeful note of activism and self reclamation. IDEAL READER: A 12 or 13 year old girl who feels like an outsider or is beginning to notice social injustices at school and needs a roadmap for how to advocate for herself and others. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might reach for this after their child mentions boys making inappropriate comments at school, or if the child is expressing frustration about family history being kept from them. PARENT PREP: Parents should be prepared to discuss the history of femicide in Guatemala, as the book portrays its impact on Mani's family. They may also want to discuss the #MeToo movement in the context of the school harassment Mani experiences. The book includes frank and positive discussions about menstruation and female anatomy, which may be helpful for pre-teen girls navigating puberty. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (10-11) will connect most with the friendship dynamics and puberty anxiety, while older readers (13-14) will better grasp the political context of the Guatemalan civil war and the nuances of systemic harassment. DIFFERENTIATOR: This book uniquely blends the biological milestone of a first period with the political milestone of finding one's activist voice, all while exploring the experiences of a young Chinese Filipino Guatemalan American girl. """