Families who loved Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice by Anna Lapera often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to push for independence and grappling with the complexities of puberty, body autonomy, and social justice. Mani Semilla is a twelve year old navigating the pressure of her first period, a multi ethnic identity, and the weight of family secrets hidden by her protective mother. The story balances lighthearted friendship with serious topics like consent and the history of femicide in Guatemala. It is a powerful tool for parents wanting to move past the awkwardness of puberty talks into deeper conversations about personal safety, standing up for one's peers, and understanding the sacrifices made by immigrant families. This is a bold, feminist coming of age story for readers aged 10 to 14.
