“Balcárcel (Belpré honoree for
The Other Half of Happy) deftly interlaces many themes, including identity (both cultural and personal), girls in STEM, immigration, and family trauma. The well-drawn characters are realistically flawed . . . Effective pacing keeps readers invested in Luz’s family’s trials and tribulations from beginning to end.” —
The Horn Book Magazine“I wanted to hug this book when I finished. If you have ever believed in the power of second chances, Luz Véliz will light up your heart.” —Christina Soontornvat, Newbery Honor–winning author of
A Wish in the Dark “Watching Luz Véliz reinvent herself in this lyrical page-turner—from soccer star to computer coder, from only child to hermana—is an absolute treat. Luz not only learns to shine, but to cast her brilliant light far and wide. She left a warm glow in my heart long after I finished reading.” —Marcy Campbell, renowned author of
Rule of Threes“An uplifting and powerful story about family and self-discovery.” —Stacy McAnulty, author of
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl “
Shine On, Luz Véliz! is all about finding human connection in the unlikeliest of places. Readers will love watching Luz navigate the ups and downs of a life that’s been turned on its head—new friends, new family, and a new life’s passion—all while learning a bit of coding in the process. A charming, engaging read with a techy twist.” —Aimee Lucido, acclaimed author of
Emmy in the Key of Code“Full of family drama and efforts to find oneself, this tale brims with hope as Luz learns to open her heart, connect with her heritage, accept change, and ponder what the future might hold. A lovely and touching coming-of-age story.”—
Booklist “Each girl’s motivation and emotional journey is fully credible, and the emerging backstory of Solana’s flight from Guatemala is wrenching. Balcárcel releases a confetti storm of feel-good subplot resolutions, but they do not detract from the core dynamic of a good family becoming even better as it widens its embrace. An author’s note on the inspiration for Solana’s story is included.”—
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“A great novel about the struggles of friendship and family, and that what makes a person who they are is more than what other people think of them… A must-have for middle school collections; fans of Jessica Kim’s
Stand Up, Yumi Chung and Kelly Yang’s
Front Desk will love this coming-of-age novel.” —
School Library Journal, starred review“Watching Luz Véliz reinvent herself in this lyrical page-turner—from soccer star to computer coder, from only child to hermana—is an absolute treat. Luz not only learns to shine, but to cast her brilliant light far and wide. She left a warm glow in my heart long after I finished reading.”
—Marcy Campbell, acclaimed author of
Rule of Threes“[A]bsorbing and skillfully paced, laced with insight and warmth . . . [
Shine On, Luz Véliz! is] inspiring, smart, and beautifully written.”—
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
