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The Other Half of Happy

The Other Half of Happy

★ "Balcárcel's well-rounded characters, complex friendships, and nuanced family dynamics will resonate with many readers. This is a title that will remain relevant long past its publication date. A must-have for all library collections."–School Library Journal, starred review★ "A lovely, moving, and realistic view of the struggles and insecurities—as well as the beauty—that comes from being bicultural."–Booklist, starred reviewHandpicked by Amazon kids' books editor, Seira Wilson, for Prime Book Box – a children's subscription that inspires a love of reading.This immersive, award-winning novel following the story of Quijana, a girl in pieces, is now available in paperback.One-half Guatemalan, one-half American: When Quijana's Guatemalan cousins move to town, her dad seems ashamed that she doesn't know more about her family's heritage.One-half crush, one-half buddy: When Quijana meets Zuri and Jayden, she knows she's found true friends. But she can't help the growing feelings she has for Jayden.One-half kid, one-half grown-up: Quijana spends her nights Skyping with her ailing grandma and trying to figure out what's going on with her increasingly hard-to-reach brother.Quijana must figure out which parts of herself are most important, and which pieces come together to make her whole.This is a heartfelt poetic portrayal of a girl growing up, fitting in, and learning what it means to belong.• Lyrical middle grade debut from author Rebecca Balcárcel• A diverse and family-centered story that resonates with anyone who remembers, or is going through, growing pains• Inclusively embraces real life experiences with biracial, autistic, and gay characters• 2020 Pura Belpré Honor Book• A Junior Library Guild Selection• ALSC Notable Children's Book• 2020 Jean Flynn Award for Best Middle Grade Book• 2020 Spirit of Texas Reading Program Recommended TitlePerfect for:• Tweens and teens• Bilingual and bicultural readers• Parents• Educators

Publisher:Chronicle Books
Published:September 14, 2021
Pages:340
Age Range:10 - 12 years, from customers
Grade Level:5 and up