Merci Suárez Plays It Cool

Starred review from September 16, 2022

Gr 4-8-Merci Su�rez's final volume will resonate with kids as much as the previous entries in this acclaimed series. The eighth grader continues to navigate her crush, growing independence, and Lolo's failing health with earnestness. Merci experiences other middle school milestones like football games, overnight field trips, and having to choose between new friends and old. Cuban traditions and family drama are woven organically into the narrative. Medina never talks down to her readers; the narrative and pitch-perfect dialogue capture the angst of adolescence with honesty and respect. The title character is relatable and believably real. She makes mistakes and owns up to them and doesn't always make the soundest decisions. But tweens will certainly see themselves in her. The final chapter of Merci's story is bittersweet. Longtime fans will cheer the middle schooler on as she matures and reaches new heights-but they will also miss being front row to the adventures of the dauntless tween and her loving family. VERDICT No middle grade collection will be complete without Merci's heartfelt novels.-Shelley M. Diaz

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2022
The final installment of the trilogy (beginning with Merci Suarez Changes Gears, rev. 9/18) opens at the start of eighth grade, with Merci disappointed not to be assigned any classes with her close friends. She does have homeroom with some soccer teammates, but will these popular girls want to be friends with her off the field? Merci worries about her family, her grandfather Lolo's failing health, and her changing feelings for Wilson; but she also has plenty to look forward to, including soccer tryouts and the eighth-grade sleepaway field trip. When the soccer girls ask if she wants to be their fourth roommate on the trip, Merci, tempted by the invitation, fails to tell them she has already agreed to room with her friends, which puts everyone in an uncomfortable situation. This story's strength lies in the authenticity of Merci's character and her refreshingly sincere responses to the world around her, even and especially when self-conscious or misguided. Her home among her Cuban American family may not always be the refuge she wants, but it is full of love, support, Cuban traditions, and, occasionally, something delicious made by or with Abuela. There are subtle indications throughout that suggest what dreams Merci and other characters might pursue in the future, and the book closes on a note of promise as Merci leads her team out onto the field for their first game. Julie Roach

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from July 15, 2022
Eighth grade brings Merci more challenges at home and school. Merci Su�rez is about to start her last year of middle school at Seaward Pines Academy in Florida. The family is on high alert, as Merci's grandfather Lolo, who has Alzheimer's, has declined considerably. Brilliant big brother Roli is back home to work at Walgreens, attend community college for a semester, and save money before returning to university. When school starts, Merci--who has a stylish new haircut--must balance her core group of best friends, Hannah, Lena, and former rival-turned-pal Edna, with new attention from popular soccer teammate Avery. Then there's Wilson, the boy Merci can't stop texting and feeling fluttery around, even though these new feelings about her friend confuse her. Like the previous two installments, this is a story that focuses on characterization, self-discovery, and growth. There's also an in-depth exploration of grief and the differences between forever and fair-weather friends. Although it's accessible to new readers, the story's conclusion will particularly resonate with existing fans of Merci and her Cuban American family. Medina finishes the heartwarming story arc of her plucky, curious, strong-willed young protagonist with the same well-crafted dialogue, humor, and cultural exploration readers expect. A fabulous finale to a memorable trilogy. (Fiction. 9-13)

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Starred review from August 1, 2022
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* Merci is starting eighth grade at Seaward Pines Academy, and as the school year begins, she is juggling chores, spending time with her family--including older brother Roli, who is home for the semester--changing schedules and shifting friendships, and the advancement of her beloved grandfather Lolo's Alzheimer's disease. Taking on new roles and responsibilities, Merci tries to find time to spend with different friend groups while also developing feelings for classmate Wilson. She's also busy helping to care for her younger twin cousins and at times grows frustrated with the difficulties that Lolo's memory loss brings. As Merci navigates the changing world around her, she comes to find that loss does not care where you are or what you are doing; it simply comes. With the help of her loving family and her lifeline of friends, she faces a difficulty that will change her life while helping her to see the important things around and within her. This final entry in the Merci Su�rez trilogy once again shows readers the strength and beauty of family. Readers will love the inside look at clever Merci's thoughts and feelings and may find similarities in their own experiences at school and home. Highly recommended for all middle-grade collections.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2022
The final installment of the trilogy (beginning with Merci Suarez Changes Gears, rev. 9/18) opens at the start of eighth grade, with Merci disappointed not to be assigned any classes with her close friends. She does have homeroom with some soccer teammates, but will these popular girls want to be friends with her off the field? Merci worries about her family, her grandfather Lolo's failing health, and her changing feelings for Wilson; but she also has plenty to look forward to, including soccer tryouts and the eighth-grade sleepaway field trip. When the soccer girls ask if she wants to be their fourth roommate on the trip, Merci, tempted by the invitation, fails to tell them she has already agreed to room with her friends, which puts everyone in an uncomfortable situation. This story's strength lies in the authenticity of Merci's character and her refreshingly sincere responses to the world around her, even and especially when self-conscious or misguided. Her home among her Cuban American family may not always be the refuge she wants, but it is full of love, support, Cuban traditions, and, occasionally, something delicious made by or with Abuela. There are subtle indications throughout that suggest what dreams Merci and other characters might pursue in the future, and the book closes on a note of promise as Merci leads her team out onto the field for their first game.

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)