The Moon Within

What worked: Latinx ARE YOU THERE GOD, IT'S ME MARGARET. I LOVE how the author shows a strong preteen heroine who deals with issues like her changing body, her first menstrual period, and first crush. Told in verse, this novel follows bicultural Celi Rivera who has questions about so many things that are happening in her life. Her mother shares with her the Mexica ritual of the moon ceremony, but at first Celi wants nothing to do with that. This emotion reminded me of my own experience and how mortified I was. The beauty though of this verse novel is how the author shows there is nothing to be ashamed of. I didn't know about this one part of my own culture. Love how the author also shares a little history behind the Moon ceremony at the back of the novel.

Celi's family is loving and supportive of her. Another big plus of this novel. Also readers read about Celia's best friend Magda, who is going through the change of becoming Marco. His family is supportive of this transition, but others not so much. Plus, there is Ivan, the boy that Celi is crushing on. The struggle between being loyal to a friend and a crush at this age is very realistic.

Beautifully written diverse verse novel that shows the power of family and embracing one's self. Highly recommend.