Iveliz Explains It All

Ages 10 to 14, Grades 5 to 9

How do you speak up when it feels like no one is listening? In this moving novel in verse, one girl takes on seventh grade while facing mental health challenges, and must find her voice to advocate for the help and understanding she deserves.

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

Listen up:

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.

Story Locale:Baltimore, MD

About the Author

Andrea Beatriz Arango is the Newbery Honor Award-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and is a former public school teacher with almost a decade of teaching experience. Andrea now writes the types of children’s books she wishes students had more access to. She balances her life in Virginia with trips home to see her family and eat lots of tostones de pana. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her enjoying nature in the nearest forest or body of water.

Author Residence: Charlottesville, VA

Author Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Alyssa Bermudez is a born and bred Nuyorican living down under in Tasmania, Australia. As an author, illustrator, and art teacher for students aged 5-75+, she strives to put the KA-POW into stories and learning, while representing children of diverse backgrounds. Her illustrations can be found on fabric and fashion, in magazines, many children’s books and even on stage!