For families exploring cultural identity and community bonds, this story beautifully portrays the everyday joys and challenges of a young Puerto Rican girl.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a move, struggling to fit in, or has experienced prejudice for the first time. It is also an excellent choice for families seeking to read more diverse stories and open conversations about cultural identity. Felita tells the story of an eight-year-old Puerto Rican girl who loves her close-knit city neighborhood. When her family moves to a new, predominantly white area, she is met with loneliness and racism. The book thoughtfully explores themes of belonging, family love, and the pain of being treated as an outsider. It's a gentle yet direct introduction to difficult topics, perfectly suited for ages 8-12, that validates a child's feelings of hurt while modeling the strength found in family and community.
The main character experiences intense loneliness, bullying, and sadness after moving.
ViolenceMild
A rock is thrown through the family's window, and there are scenes of verbal bullying.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with racism and xenophobia. The approach is not metaphorical; characters use ethnic slurs (e.g., "spic") and tell the family to "go back where you came from." The resolution is realistic and hopeful. Instead of changing the hearts and minds of the prejudiced neighbors, the family makes the powerful choice to leave the toxic environment and return to their supportive community, prioritizing their own safety and happiness.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 11-year-old child who is feeling like an outsider, has recently moved, or is grappling with experiences of prejudice. It is particularly resonant for a child from a marginalized background who needs to see their feelings of hurt and confusion validated in a story.
Parent Prep
A parent should preview chapters 5 and 6, which contain the most direct scenes of bullying and racist language. The book benefits from a pre-reading conversation about why people sometimes fear those who are different. Be prepared to pause and discuss Felita's feelings and the unfairness of the situations she encounters. A parent has just heard their child say something like, "Why don't the kids at my new school like me?" or has witnessed their child being excluded or bullied because of their background.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect strongly with the emotional core of the story: losing a best friend, being lonely, and the injustice of being treated badly. An older reader (10-12) will be better able to understand the social dynamics of prejudice, class, and the difficult, pragmatic decision Felita's parents make.
What Makes It Special
Published in 1979, Felita is a foundational text in diverse children's literature. Unlike more contemporary books that may focus on a nuanced, internal journey of identity, this book's power is in its straightforward, clear-eyed depiction of external racism and the ultimate triumph of community solidarity. It is an honest and direct classic.
Read plot summary
Eight-year-old Felita is a happy Puerto Rican girl living in a vibrant, loving urban community. Her world is filled with family, especially her abuela, and her best friend, Gigi. Seeking more space and a "better" environment, her family moves to a new neighborhood where they are one of the only Hispanic families. Felita and her siblings face immediate and overt prejudice and bullying from the new neighbors. After her brother is called a slur and their window is broken, the family decides that their emotional well-being is more important than a bigger house and they move back to their old, welcoming neighborhood.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Felita's family moves, they believe it is for a 'better' life. What did they think would be better? In the end, what did they realize was most important for their family to be happy?
2
Felita's abuela (grandmother) gives her advice and support. What is one piece of advice she gives Felita, and how does it help her feel stronger?
3
The neighbors in the new community judge Felita's family without getting to know them. Why do you think they acted this way? Have you ever felt judged unfairly?
4
Do you think Felita's family made the right decision to move back? What are some of the brave things Felita and her family did in the story?
