Lissie (white) hopes to learn Spanish on the trip she’s taking with her dad and grandma to visit her dad’s friend Raúl, who lives “where most people speak Spanish.” Word by word, phrase by phrase, Lissie’s Spanish skills expand in that faraway place where she has both new and familiar experiences and meets many kind people. Raúl takes them to do “local” things, like playing soccer (fútbol) in a park (parque), and “touristy” things, like visiting a Mayan pyramid, where the guide also teaches Lissie a little Kaqchikel—his first language. Time with Flory and Mateo, children of Raúl’s girlfriend, Ana, is filled with fun, good feeling, and lots of Spanish; it isn’t long before they’re making and exchanging friendship bracelets (las puseras de la Amistad). At the airport on the way home, Lissie uses her limited but ever-growing Spanish skills to lead a couple of restless younger kids in a game of Simón dice (Simon Says). Lissie also gives them each a friendship bracelet. “I know it’s not a real friendship,” she tells her grandma. “But it felt like a tiny one.” Her grandma replies, “The world is held together by tiny friendships. And bigger ones too, of course.” Black-and-white drawings illustrate elements of Lissie’s trip, as well as some of the words, phrases, and concepts she is learning in Spanish, with phonetic pronunciation and English translation provided in this quietly captivating, full-hearted story. (Ages 7-10)

From Newbery Medal winner Lynne Rae Perkins, this short novel for younger middle grade readers explores themes of empathy, friendship, discovery, language, and the life-changing epiphanies of travel. Features black-and-white illustrations, including full spreads, comic panels, and vignettes throughout.

Lissie, her dad, and her grandmother travel “to a faraway place, in a different part of the world” in this short illustrated novel. Their destination is Guatemala, where Raúl—Dad’s friend from high school—and his family live. Lissie doesn’t know how to speak Spanish, and initially the world is cloaked in mystery. But Lissie is a fearless explorer, both of language and new places, and soon she is embracing the sights and sounds, the delicious foods, the family stories and history, and the people she encounters. There are memorable discoveries and almost disasters, but mostly there are new friends—including a forever friend named Flory—who Lissie hopes she will meet again one day. A gorgeous book about the joys and rewards of opening yourself up to new experiences. Illustrated in black and white throughout by the author.