Whether a fan of paranormal mysteries or someone looking for a heartrending novel in verse, these eclectic reads offer something for everyone.

Arango, Andrea Beatriz. Iveliz lo explica todo. 272p. Vintage Español. Feb. 2023. pap. $14.95. ISBN 9781644736098. SP
Gr 6 Up–Twelve-year-old Iveliz shares her thoughts and feelings about various loved ones in her diary: her sometimes rocky relationship with Mami, close and supportive friendship with Amir, excitement about Mimi coming to live with them from Puerto Rico, and close relationship with Papi. However, Iveliz has several anxiety-inducing pressures weighing down on her. Mimi is struggling with Alzheimer’s, and Papi is gone after a tragic accident that Iveliz blames herself for. Even though she has been taking medication and attending therapy, Iveliz remains full of guilt, and at times sees and talks to her father. At school, Amir is her truest friend, as Iveliz is often targeted by fellow classmates and finds herself in trouble. Iveliz tries to move forward and tell herself everything is okay, but also bottles up her thoughts and feelings. When they threaten to bubble up and Iveliz comes close to harming herself, she finally shares with her therapist and accepts his help. Written in lyrical Spanish verse, this middle grade novel with heavy themes will make readers’ hearts skip a beat when they realize what is truly going on with Iveliz and Papi, and as they witness Iveliz struggling with guilt and depression. The realities and pain of loss, grief, and witnessing a loved one lose their memories are palpable, as are the difficulties of wanting to share one’s emotions but struggling to do so. VERDICT This heartfelt novel will open up the way for important discussions on mental health, and is a necessary and important choice for middle grade Spanish collections.–Selenia Paz

Garza, Xavier. Vincent Ventura and the Curse of the Dancing Devil/Vincent Ventura y la maldición del diablo bailarín. tr. by Damaris Constantino. illus. by Xavier Garza. 136p. (A Monster Fighter Mystery/Serie Exterminador de monstruos: Bk. 5). Piñata Bks. May 2023. pap. $11.95. ISBN 9781558859654. BL
Gr 3-6–The monster-fighting tween is back in this fifth installment of the long-running series. Set in the South Texas, this rollicking tale features Vincent Ventura battling a mysterious and handsome devil (literally) who has moved in across the street. The twirling creature is also the father of Lilith Del Diablo, a new girl at school, who is caught between her family legacy and her new friends. Her diabolical dad wants her to join him in terrorizing young women at dance halls along the U.S.-Mexico border. Armed with his friends, cousins, and the monster-fighting tools he mysteriously found in his mother’s old trunk, the brave and adventurous protagonist continues his fight against creatures inspired by Mexican legends. Garza successfully continues his thrilling series with his signature humor, kid-centric themes, and quick pace. His illustrations also bring home the scary aspects of the narrative while making the novel more accessible. This flip book relates the story in English on one side and in Spanish on the other. It will keep readers intrigued for the next entry. Each of the volumes stand alone, but familiarity with the previous books adds to the enjoyment. VERDICT A great choice for bilingual and Spanish-language shelves and where short middle grade readers are needed.–Shelley M. Diaz

Pearson, Jenny. El viaje superincreíble de Freddie Yates. illus. by Rob Biddulph. 308p. Salamandra. Jun. 2023. pap. $12.95. ISBN 9786073827270. SP
Gr 3-7–When it comes to family and relationships between families, things can get complicated. Pearson’s book tackles themes of love and loss in an approachable way, perfect for younger middle grade readers. Freddie, 11, struggles with the death of his grandmother, who was the closest family member he had. The boy’s loneliness and hope to regain a sense of family catapult him on a quest, accompanied by his best friends, Ben and ­Charlie, to find his biological father. The story mixes in upbeat moments of magic, adding a lighthearted layer to Freddie’s quest, as he faces thieves, dons a superhero costume or two, and realizes that the result of this quest might not be the conclusion he was expecting. Pearson perfectly captures Freddie’s need to find acceptance of himself. The power of friendship and found family will ring true with readers. VERDICT Recommended for middle grade shelves in need of funny, poignant Spanish novels.–Aurora Dominguez