El día que se paró el mundo

Gr 4-7–This heartfelt and beautifully crafted work of Spanish-language young adolescent fiction captures with raw sincerity the tumble of emotions that hits when life shifts overnight. Twelve-year-old Goa has always expected a “normal” life, but her parents’ divorce, a new partner for her dad, the arrival of a half-sibling, and having to divide her time between two homes has shattered that expectation, making her realize that family can come with unexpected challenges. Tirado’s narrative voice is vivid, intimate, full of humor, and Goa’s video-diary confessions bring authenticity and frequent, tension-releasing laughs alongside moments of genuine heartache. De La Maza’s illustrations complement the protagonist’s inner turbulence with warmth and expressive detail, allowing readers to see the chaos and small moments of grace in her days, proving that art is a powerful addition to this accessible story. What stands out is how Tirado neither sugarcoats the complexity of blended families nor flinches from the messy growth that comes with grief, adaptation, and hope. This is a book for anyone who has ever felt their world stop while everything around them seems to continue spinning. Goa’s journey will remind middle schoolers that they are not alone and that even the most difficult changes can lead to new kinds of strength.