Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf

Prairie Evers

Part of Me: Stories of a Louisiana Family

Girl in Reverse

Touching Snow

Amina's Song: Amina's Voice

I Matter Most! My Journey to America from El Salvador

The Sweet, Terrible, Glorious Year I Truly, Completely Lost It

Marcos Rivas wants to find love.
He’s sure as hell not getting it at home, where his mom’s racist boyfriend beats him up. Or from his boys, who aren’t exactly the “hug it out” type. Marcos yearns for love, a working cell phone, and maybe a pair of sneakers that aren’t falling apart. But more than anything, Marcos wants to get out of Maesta, his hood—which seems impossible.
When Marcos is placed in a new after-school program for troubled teens with potential, he meets Zach, a theater geek whose life seems great on the surface, and Amy, a punk girl who doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her. These new friendships inspire Marcos to open up to his Maesta crew, too, and along the way, Marcos starts to think more about his future and what he has to fight for. Marcos ultimately learns that bravery isn’t about acting tough and being macho; it’s about being true to yourself.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf

Jennifer L. Holm, Elicia Castaldi, 2006

Prairie Evers

Ellen Airgood, 2012

Part of Me: Stories of a Louisiana Family

Kimberly Willis Holt, Kate Reading, 2006

Girl in Reverse

Barbara Stuber, 2014

Touching Snow

M. Sindy Felin, 2007

Amina's Song: Amina's Voice

Hena Khan, 2021

I Matter Most! My Journey to America from El Salvador

Dr. Tammy J. Williams, 2023

The Sweet, Terrible, Glorious Year I Truly, Completely Lost It

Lisa Shanahan, 2006