Middle grade is a term that refers to books written for readers between the ages of eight and twelve. In this column, Erica will recommend great books for children in this age group!

Alba feels abandoned when her mother ships her off to live with her Abuela Lola in Barcelona, but it doesn’t take long for her to find all the good in her new life – a new hobby, new friends, and the unconditional love from her abuela that she’s never felt from either of her parents. But it only takes a few unexpected obstacles to leave Alba feeling like her new life is on the verge of disaster. Can Alba figure out how to pick up the pieces? Or is she always doomed to keep running from all the bad things in her life?

Guerrero has brought a wonderful world to life, with beautiful descriptions, a relatable and lovable cast of characters, and a reminder that there are plenty of opportunities for second chances in life, if you’re willing to reach out and find them.

Check out the book Booklist Reviews called “a positive title about dealing with heartbreaking difficulties as well as the possibility of second chances and new beginnings” that has “a cast of unique characters, beautiful surroundings, and delicious food [that] will have readers wishing they were part of Alba’s world”; School Library Journal Reviews praised as “a charming and original title that will draw fans of Janae Marks’s From the Desk of Zoe Washington”; and Kirkus Reviews described as “a delightful read” that is “layered with explorations of topics such as family dynamics, abuse and identity [and] vivid descriptions of people, places, aromas, and food bring to life a colorful and beautiful multicultural neighborhood in Spain where English, Spanish, Catalan, Tagalog, and Mandarin intermingle.”