Stella Díaz Leaps to the Future

by Angela Dominguez, Angela Dominguez (Illustrator)

Overview

From award-winning author Angela Dominguez, the fifth and final novel about Stella Díaz, a Mexican-American girl who is now ready to be at the top of her school—fifth grade!

Stella is getting ready for her next big step.

This year, she's a fifth grader, which means she's not only one of the big kids in her elementary school, but she'll also have to start thinking about middle school. GULP!

Luckily, Stella can count on her best friends Jenny and Stanley at her side. But when she has a chance to apply for an art and science program at a magnet school, Stella realizes that her future might hold a lot of big changes.

Thinking about going to a different school than her closest friends, seeing her big brother Nick receiving mail from colleges far away, and then being forced to work on a project with her former bully... Suddenly, growing up isn’t quite as fun as Stella first thought.

Is Stella ready for what's next?

Reading level: 4.5

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250378033
Publisher:	Square Fish
Publication date:	11/12/2024
Series:	Stella Diaz Series , #5
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	775,693
Product dimensions:	5.12(w) x 7.62(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Angela Dominguez was born in Mexico City and grew up in the great state of Texas. She now resides on the east coast with her boyfriend, Kyle, and their petite dog, Petunia. She is also the author and illustrator of several books for children and a two-time recipient of Pura Belpré Illustration Honor. Her debut middle grade novel, Stella Díaz Has Something To Say, was a New York Public Library and a Chicago Public Library pick for Best Books for Kids, Sid Fleischman Award winner, and an ALA Notable. She illustrated Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s picture book, Just Help! How to Build a Better World. As a child, she loved reading books and making a mess creating pictures. She’s delighted to still be doing both.

Editorial Reviews

"Dominguez’s latest installment in this slice-of-life series continues to charm... new readers can easily jump in." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

01/01/2023

Gr 2–4—The art-loving, ocean-saving enthusiast is back for her fifth and final outing. Stella is starting the fifth grade, and she has come a long way since the series opener. Change is on the horizon as she prepares for middle school, including an application to an exclusive science and art magnet school. Her brother Nick is already thinking about college, and her friend Stanley has been hanging out with her nemesis Jessica. Worst of all, the Sea Musketeers, members of an ocean activist group she founded, are getting too busy to finish up their projects. Dominguez's latest installment in this slice-of-life series continues to charm. The Mexican American girl is sensitive, hardworking, and thoughtful, and kids will see themselves in her as she experiences triumphs and disappointments. Her mixed feelings about her absent dad and her struggles with grammar as an English Language Learner will resonate with many readers. Dominguez's friendly and accessible art complements the relatable narrative. The illustrations also provide visual support for readers who are not quite ready for full-length middle grade novels. Spanish phrases are sprinkled throughout. The diverse cast includes representatives from Latinx, Asian, and Black communities. VERDICT Familiarity with the previous titles is a plus, but new readers can easily jump in. Purchase where there's a need for chapter books for older readers.—Shelley M. Diaz

School Library Journal