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 Title

Perfect for:

* Tweens and teens * Bilingual and bicultural readers * Parents * Educators