This is exactly what early middle-grade should be: warm, relatable, and gently challenging without being scary. Stella is an infectiously likable character whose struggles with shyness and language anxiety will resonate with tons of kids—not just Mexican-American ones, though the cultural specificity is a huge strength.

The bilingual elements are smartly done, integrated naturally rather than feeling like a vocabulary lesson. And while the story touches on heavier topics (divorce, immigration status confusion), it does so with a light enough touch that 6-8 year olds can handle it.

The only real knock is that it's pretty quiet and character-driven, which means some kids looking for action or high-stakes drama might find it slow. But for the right reader—the shy kid, the kid navigating two languages, the kid who just wants a sweet story about making friends—this is a gem.