Merci Suárez Changes Gears

Merci Suárez Changes Gears follows a Cuban-American sixth grader navigating life at an elite private school in South Florida. As a scholarship student at Seaward Pines Academy, Merci must mentor a new student while dealing with social pressures and classroom dynamics. The Suárez family lives in three connected houses, with Merci's parents and brother in one, her aunt and young cousins in another, and her grandparents in the third. Merci's close relationship with her grandfather Lolo forms the heart of the family structure, but changes at home begin to affect her daily life and routines. At school, Merci faces challenges from mean girl Edna Santos and struggles to balance her responsibilities as a Sunshine Buddy with her desire to join the soccer team. She works to save money for a new bicycle while managing her family obligations and school requirements. This middle-grade novel explores themes of family bonds, cultural identity, and the complex transitions of early adolescence. Through Merci's experiences, the story examines how young people cope with change in both their personal and family lives.

Readers connect with the authentic portrayal of family relationships and middle school social dynamics in this story. Many note the realistic depiction of navigating cultural identity as a Cuban-American student and the complexities of dealing with aging grandparents. Liked: - Strong family bonds and intergenerational relationships - Realistic middle school friendships and conflicts - Cultural details that feel natural rather than forced - Main character's growth and maturity - Balanced handling of serious topics and lighter moments Disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in the first third - A few readers wanted more resolution to certain subplot threads - Middle grade reading level disappointed some older readers expecting YA content Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,000+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 (parents), 4/5 (kids) "Perfect blend of humor and heart" appears frequently in reader reviews, with many parents noting it sparked meaningful conversations with their children about family and change.

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🌟 The book won the prestigious 2019 Newbery Medal, making Meg Medina the first Latina author to receive this award in over 60 years. 🏠 The three-house family compound in the story was inspired by Medina's own experience living next door to her aunt and grandmother in Queens, New York. 🧠 The character Lolo's struggle with Alzheimer's disease draws from Medina's personal experience with her mother's battle with the condition. ⚽ Soccer plays a significant role in the story because Medina wanted to challenge gender stereotypes and show Latina girls pursuing athletic interests. 🎭 The novel's title "Changes Gears" serves as both a literal reference to Merci's bicycle riding and a metaphor for adapting to life's transitions during middle school.