A Crazy Mixed-Up Spanglish Day

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.