Ernesto (Dominican American) is finally big enough to go to school on his own. On Monday, his mother puts a quarter in his hand. “For emergencies, Ernesto… If you need me, look for a pay phone.” Ernesto counts how many pay phones there are between home and school, reassured. Throughout the week, he gets a new quarter and the same reminder every morning. And day after day, he passes up chances to do something else with his quarters, such as buy a treat at Señor José’s bodega, play NBA Jam at Manny’s Video Games, or get fruit juice from Señora Mayra’s stand. While the coins are jingly security in his pocket, he wishes he had more quarters, like his friend Raúl. But “…we only have enough quarters for emergencies, mijo,” explains his mom. Ernesto has five quarters by the end of the week when an unexpected—and sweetly funny—emergency arises on Friday. A vibrant picture book narrative is paired with lively mixed-media illustrations capturing the warmth of Ernesto’s family and the energy of his neighborhood. A short opening note from the author tells readers and listeners that there was a time when cell phones were not common, but pay phones were. In his childhood, it cost $.25 to make a call, and his mother gave him a quarter every day, “For emergencies, mijo.” (Ages 5-9)

Author Carlos Matias and Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning illustrator Gracey Zhang deliver a stunning picture book based on a finalist in the New York Times Metropolitan Diary "Best of the Year," about a young boy in the city who tries his best to avoid spending his precious quarters on tempting local treats in case of an "emergency." A poignant, playful tale for fans of Matt de La Peña, Antwan Eady, and Jacqueline Woodson.

Ernesto has waited his whoooole life to become a niño grande. A big boy. Now he's finally old enough to walk the six blocks to school without his parents.

Every morning, his mom hands him a shiny new quarter and reminds him they're for emergencies. If Ernesto needs her, she's only a pay phone call away. But each day reveals a tempting new treat to enjoy with his friends: crisp packs of baseball cards, arcade games, hot tamales, and fresh juices! Ernesto has the coins jingling in his pocket, so how will he choose to spend them