Iveliz Explains It All

Things are meant to be looking up for biracial Latina Iveliz Margarita Snow Medina after “everything that happened.” The 12-year-old poet is attempting to manage her medication and no longer in active therapy, she’s close with her Afghan friend Amir Nishat, and her beloved abuelita Mimi has just come from Puerto Rico to stay with her and her mother. That Mimi has Alzheimer’s and that Iveliz’s medication isn’t working are things Iveliz doesn’t want to think about, let alone discuss with others, especially her mother, who feels increasingly distant following Iveliz’s original crisis. As her mental health deteriorates and school relationships become more difficult, Iveliz begins both lashing out and turning inward. But to end her isolation and begin healing, she must confront the origins of her depression: her father, and the role he plays in her life. Arango (Westwood Monster Patrol) features frank discussions of racism and xenophobia as well as underdiscussed and seldom-represented manifestations of childhood grief and trauma, including self-harm and suicidal ideation. It’s a candid narrative told in quick-moving, rapport-like verse, made accessible by Iveliz’s sarcastically funny, authentically tween voice. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 10–14. Author’s agent: Rebecca Eskildsen, Writers House. (Sept.)