Meg Medina

Meg Medina is a Latina author known for her captivating and thought-provoking stories that explore the experiences of Latinx people in the United States. Born in Havana, Cuba, Medina moved to the United States at a young age and grew up in Queens, New York. Her experiences as an immigrant and a person of color have greatly influenced her writing.

Medina’s writing style is characterized by her use of vivid imagery and sensory details, as well as her ability to create complex and relatable characters. Her stories often tackle difficult themes, such as identity, family, and social justice, with honesty and sensitivity. Medina’s writing is both engaging and empowering, giving voice to those who are often marginalized in literature.

One of Medina’s most well-known works is her young adult novel, “Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass.” The novel tells the story of Piddy Sanchez, a teenage girl living in Queens who becomes the target of bullying by a girl named Yaqui Delgado. As Piddy struggles to understand why Yaqui is targeting her, she also grapples with issues of identity and belonging. The novel received critical acclaim for its frank portrayal of bullying and its impact on young people.

Another notable work by Medina is her children’s picture book, “Mango, Abuela, and Me.” The book tells the story of a young girl named Mia who is trying to learn Spanish with the help of her grandmother, Abuela. The book beautifully captures the intergenerational bond between Mia and Abuela, as well as the challenges of learning a new language. The book has won several awards, including the Pura Belpré Award for Illustration.

Medina’s most recent novel, “Merci Suarez Changes Gears,” won the 2019 Newbery Medal for Children’s Literature. The novel follows the story of Merci Suarez, a sixth-grade girl attending a private school on scholarship. As Merci navigates the challenges of middle school, she also struggles with her family’s financial troubles and her grandfather’s declining health. The novel is a heartwarming and relatable story about family, friendship, and growing up.

Medina’s work has received numerous accolades and awards, including the Pura Belpré Award, the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, and the American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Award. In addition to her writing, Medina is also a respected educator and advocate for diversity and inclusion in children’s literature.

Overall, Meg Medina’s writing is a powerful and important voice in contemporary literature. Her ability to capture the experiences of Latinx people and explore difficult themes with sensitivity and honesty has made her an essential author for readers of all ages.

About Article Author

Sophia Martinez

Writer, critic and columnist with more than 20 years of experience, Sophia Martinez has dedicated her entire professional career to the publishing world. She considers herself an amateur cook who always manages to surprise her guests with a dish from her native Costa Rica.