
Reach for this book when your child is feeling self conscious about being different or is facing their first experience with a school bully. Marisa Montes perfectly captures the internal struggle of Maritza Gabrielle, a third grader who accidentally mixes her Spanish and English when she gets nervous. This relatable school story focuses on the social pressures of second language acquisition and the courage required to participate in class activities like school plays when a peer is making fun of you. Parents will appreciate how the story validates a child's anxiety while modeling healthy ways to find pride in a multicultural identity. It is an excellent choice for kids aged seven to ten who are navigating the complex social waters of elementary school. The book provides a wonderful roadmap for turning a perceived weakness, like a slip of the tongue, into a celebrated part of who they are.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book addresses bullying and cultural identity directly. The conflict is handled in a secular, realistic manner. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, focusing on Gabbi's internal shift from shame to confidence rather than a magical change in the bully's behavior.
An 8-year-old in a bilingual household who feels embarrassed when they can't find the 'right' word in English, or any child who has ever felt like their unique quirks make them a target for teasing.
This can be read cold. Parents might want to familiarize themselves with the glossary of Spanish terms at the back to help with pronunciation if they are not Spanish speakers themselves. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say 'I don't want to speak [Language] anymore' because someone at school laughed at them, or if a child is expressing intense stage fright.
Younger readers (7-8) will focus on the humor of the language mix-ups and the 'mean' behavior of the bully. Older readers (9-10) will pick up on the nuances of code-switching and the deeper themes of cultural pride and linguistic identity.
Unlike many books about bilingualism that focus on the immigrant experience, this story focuses specifically on the linguistic phenomenon of Spanglish as a point of personal identity and the specific social anxiety of 'messing up' in front of peers.
Maritza Gabrielle (Gabbi) is a spunky third grader who speaks both Spanish and English. When she gets excited or nervous, she mixes the two languages together, a habit her nemesis, Johnny Wiley, relentlessly mocks. As Gabbi prepares for a role in the school play, she must manage her performance anxiety, deal with Johnny's bullying, and learn to embrace her unique way of speaking.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.