Merci Suarez Changes Gears

Meg Medina's Newbery Medal-winning novel, Merci Suárez Changes Gears, introduces readers to Merci, a vibrant Cuban-American sixth grader attending an elite private school on scholarship. The story beautifully intertwines Merci's everyday school struggles, including navigating a new friendship with Michael and dealing with the jealous Edna, with the profound challenges of her home life. Merci's beloved grandfather, Lolo, a central figure in her extended family, begins to exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, forcing Merci and her family to confront difficult changes. This book offers a warm, authentic portrayal of a close-knit multigenerational family, cultural identity, and the emotional complexities of growing up while facing serious family illness. It's ideal for children aged 9-12, providing rich opportunities for discussions about empathy, resilience, and supporting loved ones.

When bossy Edna Santos sets her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci s school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna s jealousy. Things aren t going well at home, either: Merci s grandfather and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately forgetting important things, falling from his bike, and getting angry over nothing.