KidLitFaves #2: Meg Medina
Biography
Meg Medina is a Cuban American author who writes for readers from picture books to YA realistic fiction. She has received several Pura Belpre Awards, has been shortlisted for the Kirkus Prize, and received the Newbery Medal for Merci Suárez Changes Gears in 2019. She served as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature in 2023-2024. (sources: Wikipedia & author’s website)
Bibliography highlights
Picture Books
Mango, Abuela, and Me, illustrated by Angela Dominguez: Mia doesn’t speak Spanish. Abuela doesn’t speak English. How can they get to know each other if they can’t communicate? It’s a spunky parrot named Mango to the rescue.
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez: Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today--not after Evelyn moves away.
Chapter Books
Merci Suarez Changes Gears (and sequels): Merci Suárez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. In a coming of age story that features family, friends, frenemies – and ripped off eyebrows – we look at the confusion and constant change that define middle school and the steadfast connection that defines family.
Most recent release: Graciela in the Abyss: A sea ghost, a mortal boy, and a dangerous enchanted harpoon…A Newbery Medalist takes us far beneath the waves in this extraordinary foray into fantasy.
My reading experience
I believe that my first Meg Medina book was actually her YA title, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass (I also loved her historical fiction YA, Burn, Baby, Burn!). But the Merci Suarez books are my favorites, with their focus on family relationships that are both warm and complex.
Medina does an amazing job of capturing the tumultuous emotions of childhood, whether it’s potentially losing a friendship in Evelyn Del Rey, or facing the changes that middle school brings. Highly recommended for any readers who love realistic fiction that’s complicated and heartwarming.
Readalikes
Picture Books
Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora: Like Medina’s books, this one features a strong bond between grandparent and grandchild, and a warm and loving relationship between members of a community as well.
Drawn Together by Minh Le and Dan Santat: Another wonderful story about intergenerational relationships, language, and communication.
Chapter Books
The First Rule of Punk by Celia Perez: Like the Merci Suarez books, this realistic fiction story takes on the strange new world of middle school with an engaging and flawed main character who’s extremely relatable in her desire to find her place in the world.
Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres: Again, like the Merci Suarez books, Stef struggles with the tension between family and school, who she wants to be, where she comes from, and how others perceive her. With a sweet and heartwarming resolution to the story, Torres gives an honest look at how family and culture can be both a strength and challenge.
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks: Another heartfelt realistic fiction story about a main character in middle school, who struggles with complicated family dynamics and finding their own way.
Visit Meg Medina’s website to learn more about her and her work!
Thanks for reading. Next month, we’ll be looking at another favorite middle-grade writer (hint: most of hre books are set in Portland, OR).
Where to find me