Iveliz Explains It All

Andrea Beatriz Arango's Newbery Honor-winning novel-in-verse, "Iveliz Explains It All," introduces readers to Iveliz, a 12-year-old Latina girl starting seventh grade. Iveliz grapples with anxiety and depression, often leading to misunderstandings at school and at home, especially with her Abuela Mimi, who has recently moved from Puerto Rico and questions Iveliz's medication. The story, told in a diary format, offers a deeply personal and hopeful look at a young person learning to understand her own feelings, advocate for her mental health needs, and build meaningful friendships. It's a compassionate exploration of intergenerational differences, cultural perspectives on mental health, and the importance of self-acceptance.

NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER • In this timely and moving novel in verse, a preteen girl navigates seventh grade while facing mental health challenges. A hopeful, poetic story about learning to advocate for the help and understanding you deserve. "Powerful." —Lisa Fipps, Printz Honor-winning author of Starfish How do you speak up when it feels like no one is listening? The end of elementary school? Worst time of my life. And the start of middle school? I just wasn’t quite right. But this year? YO VOY A MI. Seventh grade is going to be Iveliz’s year. She’s going to make a new friend, help her abuela Mimi get settled after moving from Puerto Rico, and she is not going to get into any more trouble at school. . . . Except is that what happens? Of course not. Because no matter how hard Iveliz tries, sometimes people say things that just make her so mad. And worse, Mimi keeps saying Iveliz’s medicine is unnecessary—even though it helps Iveliz feel less sad. But how do you explain your feelings to others when you’re not even sure what’s going on yourself? Powerful and compassionate, Andrea Beatriz Arango’s debut navigates mental health, finding your voice, and discovering that those who really love you will stay by your side no matter what.