Merci Suárez Series
As a mom who works and lives in a largely Hispanic community, I understand the need for children to be introduced to characters that are very much like them. Distinguished as ‘honorary Latinas’ by their friends, my own children very much relate to this loving community that we call home. The mom and teacher in my highly recommends this series.
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Meet Merci Suárez — smart, strong-willed, and just trying to make sense of middle school one messy moment at a time. From school drama and friendship troubles to family changes that hit close to the heart, this award-winning series by Meg Medina follows Merci as she navigates the ups, downs, and in-betweens of growing up. Packed with humor, heart, and relatable real-life challenges, the Merci Suárez series is perfect for tweens figuring out who they are and where they belong.
Merci Suárez Changes Gears
$8.99 (regular price)
Merci Suárez knew sixth grade would bring changes — but she never expected just how much her world would shift. As thoughtful and determined as she is, Merci has always felt a little out of place at her upscale Florida private school, where she and her brother Roli attend on scholarships. Unlike her classmates, Merci doesn’t have a fancy house, a boat, or the privilege that comes with them — and she has to earn her place with extra community service. Things get even more complicated when Edna Santos, the class queen bee, gets jealous of Merci’s connection to the new kid — who just happens to be Merci’s assigned Sunshine Buddy. At home, things aren’t much better. Her beloved grandfather, Lolo, is starting to act differently — forgetting things, falling, and snapping over nothing. But no one will tell Merci what’s really happening.
Winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal, Merci Suárez Changes Gears by New York Times bestselling author Meg Medina is a heartfelt and powerful story about growing up, facing hard truths, and finding strength in family.
Merci Suárez Can't Dance
$8.99 (regular price)
Seventh grade isn’t going to be easy for Merci Suárez. Her new science teacher, Mr. Ellis, is strict and seems to expect her to be just as brilliant as her older brother, Roli. She’s been paired up with Wilson Bellevue to co-run the tiny school store — a guy she barely knows but might actually be starting to like. And once again, she’s clashing with Edna Santos, who’s even more over-the-top now that she’s running the school’s Heart Ball.
One problem? Merci can’t dance. Not at the Heart Ball, not in her living room — not anywhere. Just thinking about dancing (or romance) makes her stomach turn. And things get even more awkward when Tía Inés, her aunt who gives merengue lessons, suddenly has a new boyfriend. Love and dancing seem to be following Merci everywhere — and she’s not sure how to deal with either.
She used to rely on her grandfather, Lolo, to help her make sense of the world. But as his Alzheimer’s worsens, Merci is left feeling more alone than ever. In this heartfelt and humorous sequel, Meg Medina brings the Suárez family back for another powerful story about growing up, facing change, and discovering the many ways love shows up in our lives — especially learning to love and trust yourself.
Merci Suárez Plays It Cool
$8.99 (regular price)
Eighth grade brings big changes for Merci Suárez — starting with a bold new haircut, exciting nighttime football games, and a long-awaited overnight field trip. At home, though, things are more serious: she’s taking on extra chores and helping care for Lolo as his health continues to decline. With more independence comes more responsibility, and Merci finds herself trying to figure out who she wants to be.
She’s never cared much about being one of the popular kids — unlike Avery Sanders, who always seems to have it all: new clothes, exotic trips, and a guaranteed spot as soccer captain. But when Avery starts paying more attention to Merci — not just as a teammate, but as a friend — Merci wonders if things are changing. Maybe popularity isn’t so out of reach after all. Still, with Edna Santos constantly stirring up drama, Merci will have to decide who she really is and where her loyalty lies.
In this warm and relatable final chapter of the trilogy that began with the Newbery Medal–winning Merci Suárez Changes Gears, Meg Medina beautifully captures the ups and downs of growing up, as Merci navigates friendships, family, and the moments that change everything.