The Other Half of Happy: (Middle Grade Novel for Ages 9-12, Bilingual Tween Book)

Rebecca Balcárcel presents a lyrical middle grade debut that follows Quijana, a girl who feels fragmented by her dual heritage. One half Guatemalan and one half American, she struggles with her father’s disappointment when her relatives arrive in town. She does not speak the language or know the customs as well as they expect. This gap creates tension within her family life. Quijana finds solace in new friendships with Zuri and Jayden. Her feelings for Jayden blur the lines between crush and buddy, adding complexity to her social world. At home, she Skypes with her ailing grandmother while trying to understand her increasingly distant brother. The narrative weaves together these domestic realities with the internal work of self-discovery. The story embraces real life experiences through biracial, autistic, and gay characters. It offers a heartfelt portrayal of growing up and finding belonging. This title suits introspective tweens and teens who resonate with family-centered stories. It also serves bilingual readers navigating their own cultural identities. Those seeking fast-paced action or traditional fantasy may find the quiet, poetic tone less engaging. The book stands as a gentle exploration of identity for those ready to sit with its emotional weight.