About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving to a new city or starting a new school, and feels they have lost their sense of community. Marisol Luna is a ten-year-old girl who finds herself adrift when her family moves from the vibrant culture of Chicago to the quiet suburbs. Her primary struggle is one of identity: without her Mexican folk-dance troupe, who is she? Gary Soto beautifully explores the ache of being the new kid while celebrating the resilience of the young spirit. It is an ideal choice for preteens (ages 8-12) who need to see that while environments change, their passions and cultural heritage are treasures they carry within themselves. This story provides a gentle roadmap for adapting to change without losing one's essence.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with cultural displacement and the challenges of being the 'new kid' in a less diverse environment. It touches on feelings of isolation and potential experiences of being excluded or misunderstood. The approach is realistic and secular. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: she doesn't magically get her old life back, but she learns to thrive in her new one.
