Merci Suarez

Merci is a sixth grader as the novel opens. Her real name is Mercedes, but she notes that no one calls her that unless the conversation is serious. Merci lives in a neighborhood in southern Florida with her parents and older brother, Roli. Her paternal grandparents, an aunt and two cousins all live in the houses next to her family, and growing up in this tight-knit family community has had an incredible effect on Merci. The family has Cuban roots and the language and habits often reflect that background.

Merci is honest and tries to do what is right, even when that is difficult. Her classmates sometimes create difficult situations and she finds her reactions are not always reflective of her true character. A girl named Edna is the undisputed leader of the group that includes Merci, and Merci dislikes many of Edna's habits though she has...