Stella Diaz Has Something to Say

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Angela Dominguez
Roaring Brook Press, 2018 200 pages
Grades 3-5
Realistic Fiction

Stella lives with her mother and older brother in Chicago. Her family is from Mexico and Stella often feels as if she belongs in neither American nor Mexican culture. English and Spanish get mixed up in her brain and when asked to speak up in class, she often freezes. This school year is proving challenging. Stella's best friend Jenny is in another class and she must tolerate the taunts of a group of mean girls. To further complicate matters, the topic of immigration is discussed in class and Stella realizes that she is an "alien", which makes her feel like less than her classmates. At home money is tight and Dad is absent, causing confusion in her feelings and loyalties. A new boy joins Stella's class and she would like to make friends, only she can't talk to him without turning roja. A class presentation on Stella's favorite topic, sea animals, brings the challenge of speaking in front of the class, while also bringing the unexpected gift of a visit to the aquarium. Will Stella gain some confidence to stand up to the mean girls and to find her place within school society?

Author/Illustrator, Dominguez, makes her middle grade debut with this semi-autobiographical novel loosely based on her own experiences, as explained in an author's note in the back of the volume. Readers will be comforted to learn that Stella/Dominguez is shy and fearful and struggles with speech and keeping her languages straight. Stella is a smart, warm and lovable little girl, who is still working out some kinks, and readers will identify with her troubles and be relieved to see what a seemingly confident and cool lady the author became. Through the first person narration, tracing a school year, we see huge character growth in Stella, as she learns to develop the “strength of a starfish” and her inner confidence grows. Readers will see a demonstration of how to effectively deal with bullies and will find hope in Stella's victory over them. Spanish speakers will enjoy seeing their language dispersed throughout the text and English speakers will be able to understand the words in context. The reading level is perfect for third and fourth graders, who are growing out of chapter books, yet aren't ready for more mature, longer titles. Black and white illustrations, contributed by the author/illustrator, are sprinkled throughout the text to encourage emerging readers along. A winning tale featuring a likable protagonist sure to inspire children to embrace who they are and to find their inner “starfish”.