by Meg Medina
First published 2022
Merci Suarez dreads what seventh grade will bring. Her science teacher Mr. Ellis expects her to match her brilliant brother Roli's performance. The school has paired her with Wilson Bellevue to run the student store, and she finds herself drawn to this boy she barely knows. Meanwhile, her nemesis Edna Santos lords over the upcoming Heart Ball with typical bossiness. The dance terrifies Merci almost as much as the confusing feelings stirring inside her. Her aunt Tía Inés tries to teach her merengue steps, but Merci's feet refuse to cooperate. Love seems to be everywhere, including in Tía Inés's own life with her new boyfriend. Merci used to confide everything to her grandfather Lolo, but his Alzheimer's disease has stolen away their conversations. Without his guidance, she must navigate friendship drama, family changes, and her own growing heart. As the Heart Ball approaches, Merci discovers that learning to dance might be the least of her challenges.
Genres: fiction, family-life, friendship, school-stories, contemporary, adolescence, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, school-life
422 pages · Library Binding · Bound to Stay Bound Books