Based on true events in Lila Quintero Weaver's own 1970s childhood as an Argentinian immigrant in a small Alabama town, My Year in the Middle is a moving story about finding one's center in the midst of overwhelming external pressure. Lu is believable as a girl who is afraid to "stick [her] neck out too far."...Any reader who has struggled to find a safe and happy place between polarities will appreciate Weaver's deep understanding of just how difficult—and rewarding—this can be.
—Shelf Awareness for Readers (starred review)
It's not always easy standing up for what is right, but sometimes, you just can't stay in the middle...Young readers will relate to Lu as she navigates friendships, first love, and politics, cheering her on to the finish line. An important and relevant story that will make kids stop and take a look at the world around them.
—Kirkus Reviews
Readers will be immediately transported to early 1970s Alabama in this story about Lu Olivera, a sixth- grader who finds herself drawn ever more deeply into the civil rights movement and politics at her school...This story is inspired by the author’s experiences, and it shows in introspective Lu’s observations of people around her. An excellent read for any budding activist or history buff, as well as pretty much any kid who likes a story about kids finding their gumption.
—Booklist
Readers will root for this spirited protagonist to find her moral footing in this solid, enjoyable work of historical fiction.
—Publishers Weekly
Based on true events in Lila Quintero Weaver's own 1970s childhood as an Argentinian immigrant in a small Alabama town, My Year in the Middle is a moving story about finding one's center in the midst of overwhelming external pressure...Any reader who has struggled to find a safe and happy place between polarities will appreciate Weaver's deep understanding of just how difficult—and rewarding—this can be.
—Shelf Awareness Pro
Young first-generation immigrants will see themselves reflected in Lu when she translates for a Cuban neighbor, and again when she finds herself “in the middle” and must either stand with her friends Belinda and Spider or side against them with her silence...A well-drawn depiction of an immigrant experience with a social justice lens. A solid addition for public and school libraries.
—School Library Journal
Inspired by the author’s childhood, this work of historical fiction offers an insider voice and unique perspective on the era, reminding readers that race relations remained contentious long after the 1964 Civil Rights Act...This is a worthy choice for recreational reading and informing students about the civil rights era.
—School Library Connection
“My Year in the Middle is both powerful and sensitive, offering a unique view of important historical events through the eyes of an immigrant girl who longs for social justice, friendship, and romance.”
—Margarita Engle, Young People’s Poet Laureate and Newbery Honor–winning author of The Surrender Tree
“Wonderful! A heart-touching story with a spunky heroine who shows her grit and determination during troubling times. I was cheering for Lu from beginning to end!”
—Christina Diaz Gonzalez, award-winning author of The Red Umbrella and the Moving Target series
“A timely and powerful story, My Year in the Middle conjures an era of American racism and shows how a strong immigrant girl can make a difference in her community. This is a book that will resonate for young readers in these fraught times.”
—Ruth Behar, Pura Belpré Award–winning author of Lucky Broken Girl
05/21/2018
Set in 1970 in the fictional town of Red Grove, Ala., this debut for young readers by Weaver (Darkroom) follows a sixth-grade class during the first year of integrated public schools through the bubbly voice of Argentinian immigrant Lu Olivera, who sits in the middle row, between the black and white students. Election year campaigning provides the backdrop: Governor Brewer, who favored school integration, is fighting for his seat against segregationist ex-governor George Wallace. After Lu discovers that she shares a talent for running with Belinda, a black classmate, their friendship grows, but Lu’s former friends become distant and mean. Politics infiltrate the classroom as some parents prepare to send their kids to private school, and Lu’s attempts to remain apolitical backfire, particularly with the cute boy she likes. As tensions build, Lu longs for the courage to “really speak up, like somebody with surefire gumption and the good sense to stand up for her friends.” Readers will root for this spirited protagonist to find her moral footing in this solid, enjoyable work of historical fiction. Ages 8–12. (July)
07/01/2018
Gr 4–6—Sixth grader Lu Olivera is born to run, but worries that her parents, immigrants from Argentina, will not allow her to pursue sports. Undeterred, she starts to pal up with talented African American runner Belinda. Lu's world starts to shift away from old friends like Phyllis and Abigail, whose eyes are firmly planted on teen fashion magazines portraying mostly blue-eyed and blonde girls and whose families are against racial integration. Instead, the tween is drawn to the more socially conscious world of her older sister Marina and her crush Sam, who are both working on the campaign to defeat George Wallace's 1970 reelection. Her awareness of the racism against brown and black people and the personal and political efforts to fight it start to garner more of her attention and spur her to action. Young first-generation immigrants will see themselves reflected in Lu when she translates for a Cuban neighbor, and again when she finds herself "in the middle" and must either stand with her friends Belinda and Spider or side against them with her silence. Colloquial language and pop references abound, with detailed pencil illustrations at the onset of each chapter. VERDICT A well-drawn depiction of an immigrant experience with a social justice lens. A solid addition for public and school libraries.—Sara Lissa Paulson, City-As-School High School, New York City
Almarie Guerra gives a compassionate narration of this historical fiction set in Alabama in 1970. Sixth-grader Lu befriends one of the few black girls in her newly integrated classroom. But while Lu would like to be friends with everyone, growing tensions force her to choose a side in the racial divide. Guerra delivers the Southern accents of the mean white kids and the dialects of the African-American kids. The others like Lu, who don’t quite fit in either group because they are for equal rights, are portrayed in neutral accents. Especially well done is Guerra’s portrayal of Lu’s Argentinian parents. Their desire to be supportive and wariness of standing out as “foreign” add another layer of complexity to Lu’s story. S.C. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
Almarie Guerra gives a compassionate narration of this historical fiction set in Alabama in 1970. Sixth-grader Lu befriends one of the few black girls in her newly integrated classroom. But while Lu would like to be friends with everyone, growing tensions force her to choose a side in the racial divide. Guerra delivers the Southern accents of the mean white kids and the dialects of the African-American kids. The others like Lu, who don’t quite fit in either group because they are for equal rights, are portrayed in neutral accents. Especially well done is Guerra’s portrayal of Lu’s Argentinian parents. Their desire to be supportive and wariness of standing out as “foreign” add another layer of complexity to Lu’s story. S.C. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
2018-05-14
It is spring 1970 in Alabama, and in spite of the racial tensions that come along with integration and the upcoming race for governor, sixth-grader Lu Olivera can't stop thinking about running—or more importantly, the discovery that she can run.It's hotter than Hades the day Lu first runs in preparation for Field Day. She flies "like the blue blazes" and barely squeaks past classmate Belinda at the finish line for the win. As they mill about catching their breath and each other's eyes, Belinda gives a nod of respect. Lu nods back, but not without a bit of trepidation upon reminding herself that "around here, black and white kids don't mix. No siree bob." You see, being from Argentina, Lu is one of the "middle" kids in the class. White kids sit on one side of the room, black kids, including Belinda, on the other, and those that are left occupy no man's land. Readers will follow Lu through the spring of her sixth-grade year as she discovers not just the extent of her running ability, but how much gumption one tiny immigrant girl can have. It's not always easy standing up for what is right, but sometimes, you just can't stay in the middle. While Red Grove, Alabama, is a fictional town, the story is inspired by the author's very real experiences growing up in Alabama. Young readers will relate to Lu as she navigates friendships, first love, and politics, cheering her on to the finish line. An important and relevant story that will make kids stop and take a look at the world around them. (Historical fiction. 9-13)
