Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

I chose to read this book because it won the Newbery Medal last year. (Remember the Newbery is the annual award for the best book for children.) Merci is part of a close Cuban-American family living in Florida. She is a 6th grader at Seaward Pines Academy, an expensive private school to which she, along with her older brother Roli, received a scholarship. The story takes place during her 6th grade year, a time period that brings a lot of changes. At school, tomboy Merci has to deal with the fact that several of her elementary school friends are suddenly interested in boys. The ringleader of her problems is Edna Santos, a snotty, spoiled brat of a girl who likes the new boy Michael Clark, Merci's school-assigned Sunshine Buddy. At home, Merci's beloved grandfather, Lolo, is no longer acting like himself. He has started falling, forgetting things, and getting angry for unexplained reasons. This worries Merci, and she misses the close relationship they have always had.

Middle school is hard but it can also be humorous. Author Meg Medina shows both truths through the adventures of her lovable, strong heroine Merci.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to students in 4th -6th grades. Students with a background from a Spanish-speaking country may especially enjoy this book as it incorporates Spanish words/phrases, foods, etc. throughout.

Mrs. N.

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Love That Dog is a short, touching book of poetry written by the main character, a second-grader named Jack. Jack's poetry tells the story of his experience with Miss Stretchberry's poetry unit at school. The unit begins shortly after Jack's beloved dog has died. At first Jack believes poetry is for girls, and he does not think he has anything to write about. Eventually, though, Jack discovers Walter Dean Myers, a poet he loves and admires. He also realizes that he actually does have something very important to say in his own poetry...something about his love for his dog.

I recommended this book for 2nd-6th grade students who love pets and who already appreciate writing as a way to express life's difficult experiences. I also recommend this book to students who have not yet discovered the satisfying and healing power of writing.

Mrs. N.