Iveliz Explains It All

Iveliz Explains It All

Andrea Beatriz Arango

Random House, 2022

263 pages

Grades 4-7

Realistic Fiction/Narrative Poetry

Take a dip into Iveliz's journal to experience first hand the life and times of this troubled seventh grader. Iveliz has not been right sine her father passed away. She feels responsible for his death and unloved at his passing. Lucky for her, his ghost still visits, though this often gets her in trouble. Mom has problems of her own and works a lot to support them both. Amir, Iveliz's best friend, also has troubles with a chronically ill brother and seems to want more from her than she can possibly give. Abuela Mimi arrives from Puerto Rico and, finally, Iveliz gets some company and finds someone who believes her about Dad's ghost. The problem is that Abuela's mind isn't quite right and now Iveliz feels responsible for her grandmother's safety. Seventh grade was suppose to be a fresh start, but Iveliz finds herself reverting to old patterns at school. Her grades are terrible and she is losing her temper and getting into fights. Mom brings Iveliz to a therapist, but will the wretched "Turnip" be able to help her?

In this Newbery honor book Arango explores depression and mental illness in young people, a problem which is haunting current society. Readers see a first person account through the narrative poetry in Iveliz's journal. The book is designed to really look like a journal with lined paper and a font that looks like actual printing. This will help immediately suck kids into the story and lends an air of authenticity to the tale. We all know (including Iveliz) that Dad is part of her mental troubles and not a real ghost and it is with relief that he finally comes to see her less often. Despite the pressures of a new family member in need of care, Iveliz's mom is responsive to her daughter's troubles and gets her professional help. Iveliz also works through friendship problems with Amir and learns to give as well as take and to be a better friend. The story ends on a hopeful note with both Iveliz's relationships and mental illness under control. An author's note and resources at the end invite readers to get help if needed for their own problems and Arango lists places to get started. Certainly a sad story, but one that will appeal to many thoughtful readers.