Merci Suárez plays it cool

Book Cover
Average Rating
Publisher
Candlewick Press
Publication Date
2022.
Language
English

Description

In a satisfying finale to her trilogy, Newbery Medalist Meg Medina follows Merci Suárez into an eighth-grade year full of changes—evolving friendships, new responsibilities, and heartbreaking loss.For Merci Suárez, eighth grade means a new haircut, nighttime football games, and an out-of-town overnight field trip. At home, it means more chores and keeping an eye on Lolo as his health worsens. It’s a year filled with more responsibility and independence, but also with opportunities to reinvent herself. Merci has always been fine with not being one of the popular kids like Avery Sanders, who will probably be the soccer captain and is always traveling to fun places and buying new clothes. But then Avery starts talking to Merci more, and not just as a teammate. Does this mean they’re friends? Merci wants to play it cool, but with Edna always in her business, it’s only a matter of time before Merci has to decide where her loyalty stands. Whether Merci is facing school drama or changing family dynamics, readers will empathize as she discovers who she can count on—and what can change in an instant—in Meg Medina’s heartfelt conclusion to the trilogy that began with the Newbery Medal–winning novel.

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Contributors
Medina, Meg Author
ISBN
9781536219463
9781536227048

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Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Merci is starting eighth grade at Seaward Pines Academy, and as the school year begins, she is juggling chores, spending time with her family--including older brother Roli, who is home for the semester--changing schedules and shifting friendships, and the advancement of her beloved grandfather Lolo's Alzheimer's disease. Taking on new roles and responsibilities, Merci tries to find time to spend with different friend groups while also developing feelings for classmate Wilson. She's also busy helping to care for her younger twin cousins and at times grows frustrated with the difficulties that Lolo's memory loss brings. As Merci navigates the changing world around her, she comes to find that loss does not care where you are or what you are doing; it simply comes. With the help of her loving family and her lifeline of friends, she faces a difficulty that will change her life while helping her to see the important things around and within her. This final entry in the Merci Suárez trilogy once again shows readers the strength and beauty of family. Readers will love the inside look at clever Merci's thoughts and feelings and may find similarities in their own experiences at school and home. Highly recommended for all middle-grade collections.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Horn Book Review

The final installment of the trilogy (beginning with Merci Suarez Changes Gears, rev. 9/18) opens at the start of eighth grade, with Merci disappointed not to be assigned any classes with her close friends. She does have homeroom with some soccer teammates, but will these popular girls want to be friends with her off the field? Merci worries about her family, her grandfather Lolo's failing health, and her changing feelings for Wilson; but she also has plenty to look forward to, including soccer tryouts and the eighth-grade sleepaway field trip. When the soccer girls ask if she wants to be their fourth roommate on the trip, Merci, tempted by the invitation, fails to tell them she has already agreed to room with her friends, which puts everyone in an uncomfortable situation. This story's strength lies in the authenticity of Merci's character and her refreshingly sincere responses to the world around her, even and especially when self-conscious or misguided. Her home among her Cuban American family may not always be the refuge she wants, but it is full of love, support, Cuban traditions, and, occasionally, something delicious made by or with Abuela. There are subtle indications throughout that suggest what dreams Merci and other characters might pursue in the future, and the book closes on a note of promise as Merci leads her team out onto the field for their first game. Julie Roach September/October 2022 p.91(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

Eighth grade brings Merci more challenges at home and school. Merci Suárez is about to start her last year of middle school at Seaward Pines Academy in Florida. The family is on high alert, as Merci's grandfather Lolo, who has Alzheimer's, has declined considerably. Brilliant big brother Roli is back home to work at Walgreens, attend community college for a semester, and save money before returning to university. When school starts, Merci--who has a stylish new haircut--must balance her core group of best friends, Hannah, Lena, and former rival-turned-pal Edna, with new attention from popular soccer teammate Avery. Then there's Wilson, the boy Merci can't stop texting and feeling fluttery around, even though these new feelings about her friend confuse her. Like the previous two installments, this is a story that focuses on characterization, self-discovery, and growth. There's also an in-depth exploration of grief and the differences between forever and fair-weather friends. Although it's accessible to new readers, the story's conclusion will particularly resonate with existing fans of Merci and her Cuban American family. Medina finishes the heartwarming story arc of her plucky, curious, strong-willed young protagonist with the same well-crafted dialogue, humor, and cultural exploration readers expect. A fabulous finale to a memorable trilogy. (Fiction. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* Merci is starting eighth grade at Seaward Pines Academy, and as the school year begins, she is juggling chores, spending time with her family—including older brother Roli, who is home for the semester—changing schedules and shifting friendships, and the advancement of her beloved grandfather Lolo's Alzheimer's disease. Taking on new roles and responsibilities, Merci tries to find time to spend with different friend groups while also developing feelings for classmate Wilson. She's also busy helping to care for her younger twin cousins and at times grows frustrated with the difficulties that Lolo's memory loss brings. As Merci navigates the changing world around her, she comes to find that loss does not care where you are or what you are doing; it simply comes. With the help of her loving family and her lifeline of friends, she faces a difficulty that will change her life while helping her to see the important things around and within her. This final entry in the Merci Suárez trilogy once again shows readers the strength and beauty of family. Readers will love the inside look at clever Merci's thoughts and feelings and may find similarities in their own experiences at school and home. Highly recommended for all middle-grade collections. Grades 5-8. Copyright 2022 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2022 Booklist Reviews.
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