Did you know that about one in three people would avoid change if they could? Are you like this? Then you are probably like Merci Suarez. Travel through her coming-of-age journey through 8th grade in this book, and you might relate to her.

In Merci Suarez Plays it Cool, the protagonist, Merci, braces herself for the new, treacherous sea of eighth grade at her school, Seaward Pines. She loves things staying the same and doesn’t like changes in her life. However, her friend group and her find out their schedules together by the pool, and…Merci isn’t in any of her friends’ classes! Another change happens when Lolo, Merci’s grandfather, passes out on the couch and turns into a whole new person. Luckily, he hasn’t lost his memory, but he doesn’t really act like he used to, usually discussing trying to catch a bus somewhere. Not only that, but the one and only Avery Sanders, a popular girl from her soccer team, starts talking to Merci more. Soon, she’s conflicted with choosing her new friend over tried and true friends when planning for bunking in rooms for a school trip. How will Merci face these new burdens and dramas that come with 8th grade? Read to find out what happens next!

I would rate this book 4.5 stars. It has amazing plot and great conflicts that keep you interested. Although I prefer fantasy more, this book makes me love realistic fiction. I would recommend it to people who want to learn a lesson about accepting changes or realistic fiction lovers. If you read till the end of this book, you can find out how Merci deals with these fears and problems. Maybe they can even aid you with yours! Hence, you should read this outstanding, underrated book!

Written by Kruti Patel