Books Like Merci Suárez Changes Gears

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Merci Suárez #2

Merci Suárez Can't Dance

Meg Medina

Seventh grade brings a whirl of family responsibilities and friendship drama as Merci Suárez tries to find her footing a

Ages 9–12

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No More Señora Mimí

Meg Medina

For the child adjusting to a change in their daily routine or saying goodbye to a trusted caregiver who has become like

Ages 4–8

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Mango, Abuela, and Me

Meg Medina

For children navigating language barriers or welcoming a grandparent into their home, this story shows how love can brid

Ages 5–8

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Juana and Lucas #3

Muchos Changes

Juana Medina

For the child facing a whirlwind of family changes, Juana's story offers a relatable and heart-filled guide to navigatin

Ages 5–9

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Confetti Girl

Diana López

For the child navigating the complex waves of grief after losing a parent and trying to reconnect with those who are sti

Ages 8–12

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Sixth-Grade Glommers, Norks, and Me

Lisa Papademetriou

Middle school brings new social pressures that pull two best friends in different directions, forcing them to face the p

Ages 9–12

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Maggie Diaz #2

Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz

Nina Moreno

For the child feeling squeezed by a busy home life and changing friend groups while trying to find their own path and cu

Ages 8–12

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Vega's Piece of the Sky

Jennifer Torres

When a valuable meteorite crashes in the desert, Vega and a band of rivals must brave scorpions and floods to find the t

Ages 8–12

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Hour of the Bees

Lindsay Eagar

Carol expects a boring summer moving her grandfather into assisted living, until his incredible stories begin to weave a

Ages 10–14

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Flor and Miranda Steal the Show

Jennifer Torres

Miranda y Los Reyes have played every festival and party in town, but now they finally have a shot at the main stage for

Ages 8–12

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Lights, Camera, Quince!

Veronica Chambers

Carmen is turning fifteen, but her dream quinceañera feels like it's slipping away when her friend group decides to comp

Ages 9–13

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Tía Isa Wants a Car

Meg Medina

Tía Isa and her niece work hard to save every spare coin, dreaming of the day they can buy a car and drive their whole f

Ages 4–8

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The Fresh New Face of Griselda

Jennifer Torres

After her family loses their home, Griselda starts a lip gloss business to help her father and discovers that beauty can

Ages 8–12

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Maggie Diaz #1

Join the Club, Maggie Diaz

Nina Moreno

Maggie Diaz joins every club she can find to keep up with her busy friends, only to realize that juggling hobbies and ho

Ages 8–12

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Shine On, Luz Véliz!

Rebecca Balcarcel

For the child who feels lost after a major setback and is searching for a new spark to define who they are outside of th

Ages 8–12

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Curveball

Pablo Cartaya

Elena used to be the star of the baseball diamond, but a summer spent with her brother’s quirky friends might be exactly

Ages 8–12

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Love, Amalia

Alma Flor Ada, Gabriel M. Zubizarreta

Amalia finds a way through the grief of her grandmother’s passing by immersing herself in the vibrant stories and tradit

Ages 8–12

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Stef Soto, Taco Queen

Jennifer Torres

Stef Soto wants to distance herself from her family's taco truck, but she soon finds that the business and her heritage

Ages 8–12

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Piddy Sanchez #2

Graciela in the Abyss

Meg Medina

A sea ghost and a mortal boy must team up in the deep abyss to stop a vengeful creator and his dangerous enchanted harpo

Ages 8–12

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About Merci Suárez Changes Gears

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.