Thursday, July 29th at 5:00 PM ET | 2:00 PM PT: PBS Books presents this Author Talk for Kids with Meg Medina about her book Merci Suárez Can’t Dance, the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning and captivating Merci Suárez Changes Gears, for which she was the 2019 Newbery Medalist. This event will be a time for viewers of all ages to learn more about Medina, discover new details in Merci’s ongoing story, and connect on themes of identity and coming-of-age. With an impressive collection of inspiring work, Medina is a trailblazing author who showcases Latino characters and uplifts all readers. PBS Books is honored to share this special event for both returning and new viewers nationwide. In conjunction with hosting Meg Medina and our focus on her outstanding new book, we will discuss PBS’ programming in The Latino Experience: a three-hour presentation of nonfiction and fiction short films that explore Latino/a/x identity in the context of the United States and Puerto Rico. Follow the conversation at #LatinoExperiencePBS.
About the Book
Medina’s 2021 book Merci Suárez Can’t Dance is all about growing up and self- discovery. From the start, it is clear that seventh grade is going to be a real trial for Merci Suárez. For science she’s got no-nonsense Mr. Ellis, who expects her to be as smart as her brother, Roli. She’s been assigned to co-manage the tiny school store with Wilson Bellevue, a boy she barely knows, but whom she might actually like. And she’s tangling again with classmate Edna Santos, who is bossier and more obnoxious than ever now that she is in charge of the annual Heart Ball. One thing is for sure, though: Merci Suárez can’t dance—not at the Heart Ball or anywhere else. Dancing makes her almost as queasy as love does, especially now that Tía Inés, her merengue-teaching aunt, has a new man in her life. Unfortunately, Merci can’t seem to avoid love or dance for very long. She used to talk about everything with her grandfather, Lolo, but with his Alzheimer’s getting worse each day, whom can she trust to help her make sense of all the new things happening in her life? The Suárez family is back in a touching, funny story about growing up and discovering love’s many forms, including how we learn to love and believe in ourselves.
Keep learning more about Merci Suárez Can’t Dance: Meg Medina has created a discussion and activity guide for all of her books, linked here.
