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Merci Suárez Changes Gears
Last updated Thursday, June 24, 2021
Author: Meg Medina
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 076369049X
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2021
Synopsis:
Merci Suarez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For starters, Merci has never been like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don't have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. So when bossy Edna Santos sets her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci's school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna's jealousy. Things aren't going well at home, either: Merci’s grandfather and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately - forgetting important things, falling from his bike, and getting angry over nothing. No one in her family will tell Merci what's going on, so she's left to her own worries, while also feeling all on her own at school. This coming-of-age tale full of humor and wisdom gets to the heart of the confusion and constant change that defines middle school - and the steadfast connection that defines family.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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The cover shows Merci riding her bicycle and the phrase “changing gears”. What happens when you change gears on a bicycle? The title of this novel is a metaphor for Merci’s character and how she learns to handle both the expected and unexpected challenges in her life.
Vocabulary
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Alzheimer’s; a disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills
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Homeroom: a classroom that students are assigned to for attendance and announcements
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Flat-iron: an iron with a flat bottom that is meant to press clothes but some people use to straighten their hair
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Chamber of commerce: an association of businesspeople that tries to solve challenges and improve the economic, civic, and cultural development of the community it serves
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Sponsors: A person or an organization that gives money or pays the cost for an event or program
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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In Merci’s class, the “queen bee” Edna seems to have a lot of power over how the other girls act and treat each other on the playground and in the cafeteria and classroom. How did she get this power? What does popularity mean? Does being popular mean having power?
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Merci was expecting to have another girl as her Sunshine buddy but instead she is assigned to the new boy Michael. Why does she have such a hard time being friendly to him? Do you think male-female friendships start to change in the 5th grade?
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Merci was planning on trying out for her school soccer team but she had to give that up and watch over her twin cousins because her grandparents can no longer do so. What kind of responsibilities do you have at home?
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Throughout the book, Merci enjoys riding her bike with her grandfather to the bakery every Sunday morning, playing soccer with her Papi, painting with Abuela. What hobbies and traditions do you share with your family members?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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