100 pages • 3 hours read
Merci Suárez Changes Gears
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Florida • Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
9-12 years
700L
Super Short Summary
Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina follows eleven-year-old Merci Suárez, a Cuban American girl in Florida, as she navigates her first year at Seaward Pines Academy. Balancing academics, sports aspirations, and family responsibilities, she struggles with fitting in at school and dealing with her grandfather's declining health due to Alzheimer's. Through these challenges, Merci learns the importance of family, resilience, and adapting to change.
Emotional
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
9,115 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Meg Medina’s Merci Suárez Changes Gears paints a vivid portrait of a sixth-grader navigating middle school complexities and familial challenges. Critics commend its authentic portrayal of cultural identity, family dynamics, and adolescence, though some feel its pacing lags at times. Overall, it’s lauded for its heartfelt and relatable storytelling, making it a compelling read for young audiences.
Who Should Read Merci Suárez Changes Gears?
A reader who would enjoy Meg Medina's Merci Suárez Changes Gears likely appreciates heartwarming, realistic middle-grade fiction, rich in cultural diversity and family dynamics. Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder or Jacqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming will find this book's themes of growing up and navigating life's changes equally compelling.
9,115 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lolo
Lolo
Merci's grandfather and closest confidante, offering her a mix of sensitivity, guidance, and respect. He plays a crucial role in the family dynamic while facing personal challenges.
Roli
Roli
Merci’s older brother, whose scientific mindset and age afford him more freedom. His relationship with Merci is marked by sibling rivalry but also deep love and loyalty.
Abuela
Abuela
The practical and emotional cornerstone of the Suárez family, known for her sewing skills and maternal warmth. Her exaggerated worries highlight her deep care for her family members.
Edna
Edna
A schoolmate of Merci and a typical bully, whose privileged background contrasts with Merci's. Her actions and interactions with Merci highlight themes of privilege and developing identity.
368
Novel • Fiction
Florida • Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
9-12 years
700L
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