Iveliz Explains It All
How do you speak up when it feels like no one is listening? In this moving novel in verse, one girl takes on seventh grade while facing mental health challenges, and must find her voice to advocate for the help and understanding she deserves.
"Powerful." —Lisa Fipps, Printz Honor-winning author of Starfish
Listen up:
The end of elementary school?
Worst time of my life.
And the start of middle school?
I just wasn’t quite right.
But this year?
YO VOY A MI.
Seventh grade is going to be Iveliz’s year. She’s going to make a new friend, help her abuela Mimi get settled after moving from Puerto Rico, and she is not going to get into any more trouble at school. . . .
Except is that what happens? Of course not. Because no matter how hard Iveliz tries, sometimes people say things that just make her so mad. And worse, Mimi keeps saying Iveliz’s medicine is unnecessary—even though it helps Iveliz feel less sad. But how do you explain your feelings to others when you’re not even sure what’s going on yourself?
Powerful and compassionate, Andrea Beatriz Arango’s debut navigates mental health, finding your voice, and discovering that those who really love you will stay by your side.
Available Formats
State Awards
Connecticut
2025, Nutmeg Book Award, Nominee
Indiana
2025-2026, Young Hoosier Book Award, Nominee
New York
2023, NYPL Vibrant Voices: New Books From Authors of Color, Selection
Rhode Island
2024, Rhode Island Middle School Book Award, Selection
Texas
2023, Texas Lone Star Reading List, Selection