Andrea Beatriz Arango is the author of Newbery Honor Book Iveliz Explains It All, the Pura Belpré Honor Book Something Like Home, and It’s All or Nothing, Vale, which received three starred reviews and was named a Booklist Best Book of the Year. Poignant, accessible, and insightful, Arango’s middle grade novels in verse are authentic portrayals of Latine kids navigating timely themes of mental health, queer identity, disability, complex family dynamics, and more.
Andrea Beatriz Arango
Booklist Best Book of the Year
★ “Moving and insightful.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “This novel promises to be the rapier to the heart the reader needs to take control of their own choices.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “Arango’s fans will celebrate the opportunity to read another poignant story told in verse; it packs a punch, and is brimming with love and optimism.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“[A] narrative that highlights chosen family and the integral part it plays in forming one’s sense of self.” —Publishers Weekly
“[A] beautiful reminder that there’s more to life than being the best.” —The Bulletin
“Arango’s accessible verse strikes at Vale’s emotional core as she considers her worth and identity in the face of her challenges….the depiction of a brown-skinned, queer girl in the world of fencing is noteworthy.” —The Horn Book
It’s All or Nothing, Vale
Educators’ Guide
It’s All or Nothing, Vale
Creator Q&A
Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
★ “Arango’s writing is a joy to read, combining strong storytelling, compelling characters, and rich language….Beautifully executed.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Abundant bird facts—which Laura learned on daily walks with her father—add sensitive insight into Laura’s interpretation of family and loyalty.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Arango’s writing is intimate and heartbreaking, tackling such hefty issues as cultural identity, addiction, the pain of displacement and the anxiety it causes, and the adulation and rationalization that a child in pain can offer to adults they love.” —The Horn Book, starred review
★ “Extraordinarily honest and sensitive, this novel in verse tactfully and gracefully deals with foster and kinship care and some of the many emotions involved.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“This story provides honest insight into the difficult subject matter of foster care, addiction, and finding identity.”—The Bulletin
“Arango’s follow-up to her Newbery Honor debut is a triumph for readers who need the hug without having to ask for it.”—Booklist
Something Like Home
Educators’ Guide
Notable Novels in Verse
Webinars
SCBWI Golden Kite Honor Award Winner
Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
Children’s Book Council Best of Book of the Year
Association for Library Service Notable Children’s Book
★ “Superbly woven; a bold, deep portrayal of a young voice who needs to be heard.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A compassionate, stirring story that readers will not forget.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “A candid narrative told in quick-moving, rapport-like verse, made accessible by Iveliz’s sarcastically funny, authentically tween voice.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A great reminder that no one is truly alone.” —Booklist
“Relatable and powerful. . . . Iveliz’s first-person account amplifies the need for finding one’s voice and asking for help at any age.” —The Horn Book
“Deeply moving and honest.” —CCBC Choices
