  | Merci Suarez plays it cool (Merci Suarez) Author: Medina, Meg | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
For Merci Suarez, eighth-grade is a year filled with more responsibility and independence, but also with opportunities to reinvent herself. When popular soccer player Avery Sanders 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.
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.80 Points: 10.0 Quiz: 515674 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (07/15/22)
School Library Journal (+) (09/16/22)
Booklist (+) (08/01/22)
The Hornbook (+) (00/09/22)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 09/16/2022 Gr 4–8—Merci Suárez's final volume will resonate with kids as much as the previous entries in this acclaimed series. The eighth grader continues to navigate her crush, growing independence, and Lolo's failing health with earnestness. Merci experiences other middle school milestones like football games, overnight field trips, and having to choose between new friends and old. Cuban traditions and family drama are woven organically into the narrative. Medina never talks down to her readers; the narrative and pitch-perfect dialogue capture the angst of adolescence with honesty and respect. The title character is relatable and believably real. She makes mistakes and owns up to them and doesn't always make the soundest decisions. But tweens will certainly see themselves in her. The final chapter of Merci's story is bittersweet. Longtime fans will cheer the middle schooler on as she matures and reaches new heights—but they will also miss being front row to the adventures of the dauntless tween and her loving family. VERDICT No middle grade collection will be complete without Merci's heartfelt novels.—Shelley M. Diaz - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 08/01/2022 *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. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
