Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
From Newbery Medalist Meg Medina comes the bittersweet story of two girls who will always be each other’s número uno, even though one is moving away. A big truck with its mouth wide open is parked at the curb, ready to gobble up Evelyn’s mirror with the stickers around the edge . . . and the sofa that we bounce on to get to the moon. Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina’s beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez’s colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls’ urban neighborhood.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Friends Daniela and Evelyn play while movers pack Evelyn's family's belongings. Narrating in Daniela's voice, Newbery Medalist Medina (Merci Su rez Changes Gears) tells readers about Evelyn: "my mejor amiga, my n mero uno best friend." The two spend almost every day together; today, their last, is no different: "Come play, Daniela," Evelyn calls. Digital artwork by S nchez (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.