Stella Díaz Never Gives Up (Stella Diaz #2)

Gr 3-5—Stella Diaz takes on summer with the same energy and curiosity she brought to school when first introduced in Stella Diaz Has Something to Say. Whether she's seeing the ocean for the first time or attending the Shedd Aquarium summer camp, Stella finds support and confidence to raise her voice in advocacy. Worried that her passion for protecting the marine life is hers alone, Stella's heart soars when her new camp friends join her saving-the-oceans club. The racially diverse group of friends raise money for the Marine Mammal Center and work together to spread awareness about reducing plastic consumption. Culturally specific details, especially during a visit to Mexico City to see family, are seamlessly woven into Stella's first-person narrative. Although conflicts are minor, the character dynamics shine. Readers with teenage siblings will identify with Stella's struggle to understand her older brother as he gains independence. Dominguez deftly navigates Stella's feelings of helplessness when confronted with the enormity of the impact of human consumption, providing readers with reassurance that even little changes make a big difference. Grayscale illustrations, sprinkled throughout, provide context for new vocabulary. Spanish words are printed in italics—an intentional, inclusive choice according to the author's note—so the text is easier for readers to navigate, no matter their familiarity with the Spanish language. Back matter includes information about ocean conservancy and a list of websites to explore. VERDICT A stellar sequel or stand-alone title with a plot that strikes the perfect balance between character-driven action and activism.—Amy Seto Forrester, Denver Public Library

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Readers don't need familiarity with Stella Díaz Has Something To Say to fall in love with [Stella]. The protagonist will endear readers to her; she may also create some environmental converts." —Kirkus Reviews

"A stellar sequel or stand-alone title with a plot that strikes the perfect balance between character-driven action and activism." —School Library Journal

Praise for Stella Diaz Has Something to Say:

2019 Sid Fleischman Award winner
A 2019 Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable Children's Book
A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids 2018
Top 10 Showstopper Favorite
One of Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books 2018

"Fans of Clementine and Alvin Ho will be delighted to meet Stella." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Readers should easily relate to Stella, her struggle to use her voice, and the way she feels caught between worlds at school and at home." —Publishers Weekly

"An excellent, empowering addition to middle grade collections." —Booklist

"A nice and timely depiction of an immigrant child experience." —Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will agree with Stella's mother and brother that she is, as her name suggests, a star." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A rich narrative." —Horn Book

"Delightfully rich, both humorous and sensitive." —Margarita Engle, Young People's Poet Laureate

"Stella Díaz is a delight!" —Monica Brown, author of the Lola Levine series

"Shy yet spunky Stella speaks to feeling different, to conquering fears in order to make a new friend, and to learning that, like the starfish who shares her name—Estrella—she is stronger than she thinks." —Danielle Davis, author of Zinnia and the Bees

"An inspiring tale of self-discovery." —Minh Le, author of Let Me Finish!