Meg Medina

Sonia lives in a colorful village where the wind often whispers secrets. But for Sonia, the biggest secret is that everyone in her village believes she has a special gift, a power that can help them. Sonia knows it's not true, but it's hard to tell everyone. One day, Sonia decides it's time for a big adventure! She travels to a bustling city, far from her mountain home, hoping to find her own path and feel like any other girl. Life in the city is very different, with new friends and new adventures. But even far away, Sonia learns that her family and the people she loves from her village are always a part of her heart. When something big happens, Sonia realizes that true strength doesn't come from a special gift, but from inside herself and the love she has for her family. Join Sonia on her journey as she discovers who she truly is and finds her real power.

Imagine your grandmother moving in, but you cannot even share your favorite bedtime story with her because you do not speak the same language. That is exactly what happens when Mia's abuela leaves her sunny home—filled with palm trees and colorful parrots—to live with Mia and her parents in the busy city. Mia is excited to have her grandmother close by, but there is a big problem: Abuela does not speak English, and Mia does not know much Spanish. While they spend time cooking together, Mia tries to teach Abuela English words, and Abuela shares some Spanish in return. Still, it is frustrating when Abuela cannot find the right words to tell Mia her amazing family stories. Everything changes when Mia spots a bright parrot in a pet shop window. She suddenly has the perfecto idea to bridge the gap between them. This beautiful Spanish-language edition explores the deep bonds of family, the challenges of learning a new language, and the creative ways we find to understand the people we love.

The summer of 1977 is tearing New York City apart, and seventeen-year-old Nora Lopez is caught right in the middle of the chaos. The streets are boiling over with massive blackouts, terrifying arson fires, and a notorious serial killer named Son of Sam who is targeting young women. But for Nora, the danger inside her own apartment is just as frightening. Her brother Hector is becoming increasingly violent and unpredictable, her mother is paralyzed by fear and falling behind on rent, and her father is completely out of the picture. All Nora wants is to survive until her eighteenth birthday so she can finally escape. When a cute new guy starts working at her deli, Nora has to decide if going on a date is worth risking her life in a city haunted by a killer. You will be gripped by this intense, realistic thriller about surviving the heat of a dangerous summer and facing the threats hiding in your own home.

Follow the unforgettable journey of Merci Suarez as she tackles the ups and downs of middle school in this complete collection. Starting in sixth grade, Merci faces bossy classmates and confusing family secrets when her beloved grandfather Lolo begins acting strangely. By seventh grade, she is juggling a strict science teacher, a potential crush at the school store, and the terrifying prospect of dancing at the Heart Ball. Finally, in eighth grade, Merci steps into a year of newfound independence, changing friendships, and heartbreaking loss as she decides exactly who she wants to be. You will laugh, cry, and cheer for Merci as she navigates the awkwardness of growing up, the shifting dynamics of her friendships, and the deep love of her loud, wonderful family. This beautiful set brings together all three heartfelt stories about finding your voice and holding onto the people who matter most.

Meet Merci Suarez, a thoughtful and strong-willed sixth grader navigating big changes! Life at her fancy private school in Florida is already different for Merci and her brother, Roli, because they attend on scholarship. They don't have the biggest houses or the fanciest things, and they do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. When a new boy arrives, Merci is assigned to be his Sunshine Buddy. But bossy Edna Santos quickly sets her sights on him, making Merci the target of Edna's jealousy. Suddenly, school feels even tougher, and Merci finds herself feeling a bit alone. At home, things are changing too. Merci's beloved grandfather, Lolo, who is her trusted friend, has been acting strangely. He's forgetting things, getting angry, and even falling from his bike. No one in her family seems to want to tell Merci what's truly going on, leaving her with lots of worries. Join Merci as she tries to figure out these new challenges with friends, family, and everything in between, all while discovering what it means to grow up.

Seventh grade is bringing a whole new set of challenges for Merci Suarez. She is stuck co-managing the school store with a boy she might actually have a crush on, and her science teacher expects her to be just as smart as her genius older brother. To make matters worse, the bossy Edna Santos is in charge of the annual Heart Ball, and Merci has a huge secret: she absolutely cannot dance. While she tries to dodge the dance floor and her confusing new feelings, things at home are changing too. Her grandfather Lolo's memory is getting worse, and Merci misses his steady advice. You will easily step right into Merci's shoes as she figures out how to handle shifting friendships, family worries, and the awkwardness of growing up. This heartfelt and funny story captures exactly what it feels like to find your own rhythm when everything around you is changing.

Eighth grade is finally here, and it is bringing a wave of massive changes for Merci Suarez. She is stepping up with a fresh new haircut, exciting nighttime football games, and her very first out-of-town overnight field trip. But growing up also means taking on heavier responsibilities at home, especially keeping a close watch on her grandfather Lolo as his health continues to fade. At school, Merci is suddenly getting attention from Avery Sanders, a popular girl and future soccer captain. Avery is talking to her more than just as a teammate, leaving Merci wondering if they are actually becoming friends. You will feel every bit of Merci's struggle as she tries to play it cool while figuring out where her true loyalties lie. This deeply moving conclusion to the beloved series shows how you can reinvent yourself while holding on to the family and friends who matter most.

Life has never been simple for Milagros de le Torre. Ever since her father sailed away with a crew of pirates, she has faced constant teasing at school and watched her family struggle to survive. Despite the hardships, she deeply loves her small Caribbean island home and the few people who understand her unique gifts. But her entire world shatters when fierce invaders attack the island, destroying her home and taking away almost everyone she knows. Escaping in a tiny rowboat, Milagros finds herself drifting alone on the vast ocean. Her only guides are mysterious, magical manta rays that lead her toward unknown shores. You will be swept away by this breathtaking adventure as Milagros searches for a new home. It is a beautifully written journey about discovering your true identity, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the incredible power of a mother's love.

One normal morning before school, Piddy Sanchez gets a terrifying message: a girl named Yaqui Delgado hates her and wants to beat her up. The craziest part is that Piddy has no idea who Yaqui is or what she could have possibly done to make her so angry. Rumor has it that Yaqui thinks Piddy is stuck-up, walks with too much attitude, and isn't Latin enough because of her good grades and white skin. At first, Piddy tries to ignore the threats. She is too busy trying to uncover secrets about the father she never met and balancing her honors classes with a weekend job at a local hair salon. But as Yaqui's harassment grows more intense, the fear starts to take over Piddy's entire life. You will be completely absorbed by this raw and honest story as Piddy is forced to stand her ground, discover her inner strength, and figure out exactly who she is.

Get ready for a huge change at home because your abuela is finally coming to live with you and your family forever. Ana is absolutely thrilled about her grandmother moving in. She knows Abuela will let her play all the time instead of rushing her off to school the way her neighbor and babysitter, Senora Mimi, always does. Ana even realizes she will not need Senora Mimi to watch her anymore. But as the days go by, Ana starts to remember all the fun she had with her babysitter, like feeding the neighborhood squirrels and sharing delicious snacks. Senora Mimi was always a great listener, too. You will love this warm and tender story about the special people who care for us. It perfectly captures the mixed feelings of saying goodbye to a trusted friend while welcoming a beloved family member into your everyday life.

Imagine your grandmother moving far away from her sunny home filled with parrots and palm trees just to live with you in the city. When Mia's abuela arrives, they want to share everything, but there is one big problem. Abuela does not speak English, and Mia does not know enough Spanish to understand her grandmother's wonderful stories. As they cook together, they try to teach each other new words, but it is still very hard to communicate. Then Mia spots a bright parrot in a pet shop window and comes up with the perfect plan to help them talk to each other. You will be touched by this beautiful story about patience, learning, and the creative ways we connect with the people we care about. It is a heartwarming journey that shows how love can easily bridge any language gap in a family.

Starting sophomore year at a brand new high school is stressful enough, but for Piedad Sanchez, things are about to get much worse. Before she even knows her way around the halls, Piddy learns a terrifying piece of news: a girl named Yaqui Delgado hates her and is planning to beat her up. The wildest part? Piddy has no idea who Yaqui is or what she supposedly did to make her so angry. Rumors swirl that Yaqui thinks Piddy is stuck-up and not Latina enough. At first, Piddy tries to focus on her own life, navigating a rocky relationship with her mom and searching for clues about the father she never met. But as the bullying escalates from whispered threats to inescapable harassment, avoiding Yaqui takes over her entire existence. Brought to life with dynamic illustrations, this powerful graphic novel pulls you into Piddy's desperate struggle to survive her sophomore year. You will feel every ounce of her anxiety and ultimate empowerment as she decides whether to run away or stand her ground.

Tia Isa has a massive dream. She wants to buy a shiny green car that is the exact same color as the ocean, with wings like a swooping bird. She wants this car so she can drive her whole family to the beach for a beautiful day in the sun. But saving up enough money is incredibly hard. Every dollar they earn has to be split into two piles, with half going into a special fund to help bring their faraway family members to join them someday. Seeing how much her aunt wants this dream to come true, her niece decides to pitch in. She starts doing odd jobs for the neighbors to add her own hard-earned money to the car fund. You will be inspired by this sweet and genuine story about working together, saving for a big goal, and keeping your distant loved ones close to your heart.

Do you have a best friend who lives super close, maybe even right across the street? That's how it is for Daniela and Evelyn Del Rey! They do everything together, and their apartments are like twins. But today is different. Today, a big moving truck is parked outside, ready to take Evelyn and her family far away. Join Daniela as she spends one last special day playing with Evelyn amidst all the moving boxes. They laugh, they remember, and they share quiet moments, knowing that even though things are changing, their friendship will always be important. It's a sweet and tender story about saying goodbye to someone you love, and the promises we make to keep those connections alive, no matter the distance.

Deep beneath the ocean waves, Graciela is not your average girl. For over a hundred years, she has lived at the bottom of the sea, crafting sea glass and helping newly awakened sea ghosts rise from their slumber. Far above her in the mortal world, twelve-year-old Jorge Leon works in his family's forge, terrified of the water and the spooky legends of underwater spirits. But when Jorge accidentally uncovers a magical, hand-wrought harpoon that can destroy a sea ghost, he knows he has to get rid of it before it falls into the wrong hands. Soon, the dangerous weapon is drawn back to its vengeful creator, forcing Graciela and Jorge to team up. You will be on the edge of your seat as these two unlikely allies battle to stop an ancient evil from destroying both the living and the dead in this thrilling, magic-filled underwater adventure.

Sonia Sotomayor grew up with a big dream, but her path to the highest court in the United States was not an easy one. Before she became the very first Latina Supreme Court Justice, she had to overcome many difficult challenges, including being diagnosed with diabetes when she was just seven years old. Instead of letting obstacles hold her back, Sonia used them to fuel her determination. In this inspiring chapter book biography, you will discover how Sonia Sotomayor worked hard, spoke up, and rose against the odds to achieve her goals. You will follow her incredible journey from her childhood in the Bronx to the halls of the Supreme Court, learning how she persisted through every setback. Her story proves that no matter where you come from or what difficulties you face, you can achieve amazing things if you believe in yourself. Complete with engaging black-and-white illustrations and a special introduction, this book also includes a helpful list of ways you can follow in Sonia's footsteps to make a positive difference in your own community. Step into the life of a true trailblazer and find the courage to chase your own biggest dreams.

Growing up is an adventure filled with wild dreams, embarrassing family fiascos, first crushes, and the challenge of navigating new neighborhoods. In this incredible collection of short stories, ten of the most brilliant authors writing today come together to celebrate exactly what makes every young person both unique and universally connected. You will meet a boy who just might possess magical powers, told entirely in rhythmic verse. You will read about an unbreakable friendship that survives against all odds, and follow a girl who uses wet paint to vividly color the world around her. Each distinct voice brings a fresh perspective to the struggles and triumphs of finding your place in the world. Whether you have ever felt like you did not quite fit in or you simply love a great tale of discovery, these bold stories will challenge and inspire you. Grab this anthology to experience a soaring journey through the beautiful, diverse tapestry of everyday life.