About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to notice social hierarchies at school or if your family is navigating a grandparent's changing health. It is a perfect choice for the sixth grader who feels like they do not quite fit in with their wealthier peers or who is struggling with the frustration of adults keeping secrets about family challenges. Merci Suarez is a relatable, headstrong girl balancing her scholarship requirements at a posh private school with her deep roots in her multigenerational Cuban American home. The story beautifully explores the 'gears' of growing up: from the shift in middle school friendships and the sting of mean-girl dynamics to the quiet heartbreak of seeing a beloved grandfather, Lolo, lose his memory to Alzheimer's. It is age-appropriate for readers 9 to 12, offering a realistic but ultimately warm look at how family loyalty and self-worth can anchor a child through seasons of unpredictable change.
