Merci Suarez Can't Dance

Merci Suàrez Can't Dance by Meg Medina is a middle-grade novel and the sequel to Merci Suàrez Changes Gears. The story follows 12-year-old Merci Suàrez as she navigates her second year in middle school. Merci is dealing with typical teenage challenges, like friendship drama, family expectations, and her first crush, but she also has unique struggles, including her role in her extended Cuban-American family and her grandfather's worsening Alzheimer's disease.

Merci finds herself in uncomfortable social situations, like being recruited to help with the school's spring dance, which she finds awkward and a little scary. She faces challenges balancing her home life with her academic and social responsibilities, and she learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and self-confidence. Medina's storytelling combines humor and sensitivity, making Merci's journey relatable and engaging for readers. The novel touches on themes of family, resilience, and the importance of being true to oneself.