This novel in verse offers a deeply moving and honest look at a middle schooler struggling with depression. Iveliz’s dad died two years ago in a car accident, and she blames herself. Sometimes he appears and talks to her, which worries her mom. It also worries her mom that Iveliz gets in trouble at school for fighting. Puerto Rican American Iveliz begins seventh grade hoping for a fresh start, but things quickly spiral downward. Her good friend Amir is upset because Iveliz’s feelings take up all the space in their relationship, and his own family’s recent struggles go ignored by her. Her burgeoning friendship with Akiko hits some rough spots, and then Iveliz gets suspended for lashing out at a bully. This first-person narrative written in journal form follows Iveliz into a dark place psychologically and emotionally, and then slowly back into the light when her mother realizes how much her daughter is struggling and makes sure Iveliz gets more help. This debut novel also addresses attitudes toward mental health: Mimi, Iveliz’s abuela, doesn’t initially see the need for Iveliz to take antidepressants or go to therapy, but she comes to see how important they are to the well-being of the granddaughter she loves in a narrative that is primarily in English but incorporates Spanish throughout.  (Ages 10-13)

NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER • In this timely and moving novel in verse, a preteen girl navigates seventh grade while facing mental health challenges. A hopeful, poetic story about learning to advocate for the help and understanding you deserve.

"Powerful." —Lisa Fipps, Printz Honor-winning author of Starfish

How do you speak up when it feels like no one is listening?

The end of elementary school?
Worst time of my life.
And the start of middle school?
I just wasn’t quite right.
But this year?
YO VOY A MI.

Seventh grade is going to be Iveliz’s year. She’s going to make a new friend, help her abuela Mimi get settled after moving from Puerto Rico, and she is not going to get into any more trouble at school. . . .

Except is that what happens? Of course not. Because no matter how hard Iveliz tries, sometimes people say things that just make her so mad. And worse, Mimi keeps saying Iveliz’s medicine is unnecessary—even though it helps Iveliz feel less sad. But how do you explain your feelings to others when you’re not even sure what’s going on yourself?

Powerful and compassionate, Andrea Beatriz Arango’s debut navigates mental health, finding your voice, and discovering that those who really love you will stay by your side no matter what.