Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away

K-Gr 4--Daniela goes over to her friend Evelyn's apartment to play just as they do every day, because she is her "mejor amiga." They play games, just like always, and laugh, just like always; but the more Daniela talks about their games, the more she alludes to the fact that Evelyn is moving. When Evelyn and Daniela say goodbye, they learn about how to remain friends, even if moving hurts right now. Medina has created a wonderfully true tale of the happiness that best friends share and the complicated emotions that are faced when that best friend must move away. The story is simple and easy to understand, even for nonspeakers of Spanish, as both illustrations and context help with translation. Sánchez's illustrations give life to the world these two best friends live in, while also revealing details about the move. The raw emotions that Daniela and Evelyn experience come through in the drawings. VERDICT Medina and Sánchez have created a winning emotional story about two best friends who will always be best friends, regardless of all kinds of upheaval.--Margaret Kennelly, iSchool at Urbana-Champaign

Friends Daniela and Evelyn play while movers pack Evelyn's family's belongings. Narrating in Daniela's voice, Newbery Medalist Medina (Merci Suárez Changes Gears) tells readers about Evelyn: "my mejor amiga, my número uno best friend." The two spend almost every day together; today, their last, is no different: "Come play, Daniela," Evelyn calls. Digital artwork by Sánchez (Raisins and Almonds) radiates warmth and specificity as the girls interact with neighbors ("We sneak past grouchy Mr. Miller's door and wave to Mr. Soo") and revel in their last moments in homes whose windows face one another ("Our apartments are almost twins, just like us"). Art reveals their easy transitions in and out of make-believe as they play bus with an empty box--exuberant Evelyn leans out the back, while Daniela, the driver, looks behind her with furrowed eyebrows. Soon it's time to say goodbye; they put stickers on each other's cheeks to seal a promise of ongoing friendship, "and then Evelyn hugs me hard." Landing on the moment of their parting grief adds poignancy to their vibrant connection, and a final page turn offers further joy to this portrait of two girls of color and their strong, resilient friendship. Ages 5-7. (Sept.)