![]() Accurate and natural use of Spanish words and sayings that fit each character’s tone builds authenticity. ![]() 3/16) consistently and assuredly portrays Latinx girls and women who grapple with their insecurities while learning about themselves and their worlds, and middle-grade heroine Merci is a fine example. Medina ( Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, rev. Medina brings depth, warmth, and heart to her characters and their voices, because she never shies away from portraying this family’s flaws and includes frank conversations around difficult issues, such as Alzheimer’s. In the midst of growing up and trying to find a school-life balance, she experiences the power dynamics between her Mami and Papi navigates her relationship with her studious brother Roli witnesses the struggles of her tía, Inéz, as she runs a bakery and raises young twins and worries about her abuelo, Lolo, who no longer seems like himself. Now in her second year, Merci must participate in the Sunshine Buddies program, mentoring new-kid Michael Clark (“a boy!”) and enduring the teasing of mean girl Edna Santos. ![]() Working-class Cuban American girl Mercedes “Merci” Suárez’s life in South Florida consists of spending time with her extended family and attending elite Seaward Pines Academy, where the sixth grader does community service to pay for her tuition. Intermediate, Middle School Candlewick 361 pp. ![]()
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