Merci's internal monologue captures the relatable frustration of being a middle schooler who is often the last to know important family news.
The story perfectly mirrors the high-stakes feeling of eighth grade where navigating seating charts and soccer team dynamics feels like a life-or-death mission.
The lively and often humorous dialogue between Merci and her extended family makes the Suárez household feel like a place where the reader is always welcome.
Readers will connect with Merci's struggle to balance her desire for independence with the growing weight of her responsibilities at home.
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is beginning to navigate the complicated social hierarchies of eighth grade or is struggling with the changing health of a beloved grandparent. This final installment of the Merci Suárez trilogy captures the delicate balance of growing up: finding your own voice among friends while holding onto the traditions and people that define your home. It deals beautifully with the nuances of loyalty, the frustration of increased responsibilities, and the bittersweet reality of Alzheimer's disease. Parents will appreciate how Meg Medina treats the 'popular kid' dynamic with maturity, showing that everyone has their own hidden struggles. It is a perfect choice for children aged 9 to 12 who are transitioning from the simplicity of childhood into the more complex, sometimes messy world of young adulthood. It provides a roadmap for staying true to oneself while practicing empathy for others.