Monday, September 19, 2022

Middle Grade Monday: Shine on Luz Véliz by Rebecca Balcarcel

Shine on Luz Véliz! by Rebecca Balcarcel. 276 p. Chronicle Books, March, 2022. 9781797209678. (Review of finished purchased copy.)

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Middle Grade Monday features Shine on Luz Véliz! by Rebecca Balcarcel. Luz is a sixth grader who is struggling now that she has been sidelined after an injury on the soccer field. She had always been a star and loved having her dad as a coach. Now that she can't play, maybe forever, she senses a coldness from him. She's also stuck in a soccer elective at school which makes missing soccer even worse. One morning, she passes a robotics class and is intrigued by the hum of activity. She learns that she can switch her morning elective, but has to take an intro class first before joining that class. The problem? It's held at the elementary school! Will Luz put her pride aside to pursue a new interest?

This fast-paced story features well-rounded characters and authentic tween dynamics. Luz is sympathetic and relatable as she navigates her post-soccer world and deals with the revelation of a family secret.

Shine On Luz Véliz is a terrific addition to any library. Happy reading and happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

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