This is exactly what early chapter books should be: funny, relatable, and genuinely original. Juana's voice is a breath of fresh air—she's not a perfect student or a cookie-cutter protagonist, she's a real kid who thinks math is boring and English is nonsensical.
The Colombian setting and bilingual text add real cultural value without feeling like a diversity checkbox. Medina's prose is vivid and engaging, and the illustrations make it accessible for kids who need that visual scaffold.
It's not going to change anyone's life, but it's a solid, entertaining read that represents a perspective we don't see enough in kids' lit. The 4.8 Amazon rating and Common Sense Media feature aren't flukes—this is a well-executed book that kids actually enjoy reading.






