Merci Suárez Can’t Dance

Cuban American Merci begins seventh grade at Seaward Academy with a new responsibility: revitalizing the school store with classmate Wilson Bellevue. At the same time, Edna’s dance planning takes up more of Merci’s friend Hannah’s attention, straining their friendship. Home is changing too, as Lolo’s Alzheimer’s progresses and Tía Ines starts dating Simon. Merci is uncomfortable with many of these shifts, even as she develops confusing warm feelings for Wilson. Her aunt’s new dance studio adds another expectation that challenges Merci to move beyond what feels familiar.