The Merci Suàrez book collection by Meg Medina is a heartfelt, award-winning middle-grade series that follows the life of Merci Suàrez, a young girl navigating the complexities of school, family, friendship, and growing up. The series begins with Merci Suàrez Changes Gears, which won the Newbery Medal in 2019, and continues with Merci Suàrez Can't Dance and Merci Suàrez Plays It Cool.
Throughout the series, Merci, a Cuban-American sixth-grader, grapples with relatable coming-of-age issues, including feeling like an outsider at her private school and managing challenging family dynamics, especially as her grandfather, Lolo, starts showing signs of Alzheimer's disease. Set in Florida, these books highlight themes of resilience, empathy, cultural identity, and loyalty, resonating deeply with readers. With a perfect balance of humor, warmth, and emotional depth, the Merci Suàrez series is both a realistic and uplifting exploration of growing up, making it an insightful and enjoyable read for middle-grade audiences.
