Merci Suárez Changes Gears facts for kids
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| Author | Meg Medina |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Candlewick Press |
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Publication date
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February 5, 2019 |
| Pages | 355 |
| Awards | Newbery Medal (2020) |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-269120-0 |
Merci Suárez Changes Gears is a popular children's book written by Meg Medina. It was published in 2018. The story is about a girl named Mercedes "Merci" Suárez. She is a sixth-grade student who attends a special private school in South Florida on a scholarship. The book shares her adventures and challenges both at school and at home. This novel won the famous Newbery Medal in 2019, which is a big award for children's books.
What is the Story About?
Merci Suárez is a Cuban-American girl. She is starting her second year in sixth grade at Seaward Pines Academy. Merci and her older brother, Roli, both go to this school because they have scholarships. As part of her scholarship, Merci has to help new students. She becomes a "Sunshine Buddy" for a new boy named Michael Clark.
Michael also catches the eye of Edna Santos, who is a bit of a mean girl at school. This makes things even more difficult for Merci. Merci's family lives very close together. They have three houses right next to each other. One house is for Merci, Roli, and their parents. Another house is for Merci's aunt, Tía Inéz. She runs a bakery and takes care of her young twin sons, Axel and Tomás. The third house is for Merci's grandparents, Abuela and Abuelo Lolo. Lolo has always been the one to walk the children home from school.
Merci's Challenges in Sixth Grade
Merci quickly learns that sixth grade is full of surprises and challenges. Even with her brother Roli, who is a science genius, things are tough. She has to deal with Edna Santos and her group of friends. Merci also starts babysitting her two energetic young cousins. On top of everything, her grandfather, Lolo, who is usually her biggest supporter, is getting sick. He has Alzheimer's disease, which is a condition that affects memory and thinking. This is very hard for Merci and her family.
Merci is also a talented soccer player. She is so good that one of her dad's friends says she could "Play for za Feefa!" She really wants to try out for the school soccer team. But her mom needs to sign the permission form first.
Saving for a New Bike
There is one thing Merci has wanted for a long time: a brand-new bike. She tries to save her money to buy it. However, bikes are becoming more expensive. Her family is not rich, so buying a new bike is a big deal. All these things—her grandfather's sickness, the mean girls at school, and saving for her bike—add a lot of pressure on Merci. The story makes you wonder if Merci will be able to handle all these challenges and make it through sixth grade.
