Lety Out Loud: A Wish Novel

About this book

Can Lety find her voice before it's too late?

Lety Muñoz's first language is Spanish, and she likes to take her time putting her words together. She loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don't care if she can't always find the right word.

When the shelter needs a volunteer to write animal profiles, Lety jumps at the chance. But grumpy classmate Hunter also wants to write profiles -- so now they have to work as a team. Hunter's not much of a team player, though. He devises a secret competition to decide who will be the official shelter scribe. Whoever helps get their animals adopted the fastest wins. The loser scoops dog food.

Lety reluctantly agrees, but she's worried that if the shelter finds out about the contest, they'll kick her out of the volunteer program. Then she'll never be able to adopt Spike, her favorite dog at the shelter!

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2019
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2019
A 2020 Pura Belpré Honor Award Book

Reviews

Praise for Lety Out Loud:

"Young readers will be drawn in by the sweet pet portraits yet they will leave with much more: an empathetic understanding of the immigrant experience in America. A touching story about the power of language, pets, and friendship." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A potential "mirror" book for young immigrants to the U.S. and ELL students, and one that can be an empathy-building "sliding glass door" book for other readers. Compelling and relatable, this is highly recommended for all middle grade collections." -- School Library Journal, starred review

Praise for Allie, First at Last:

"A sweet middle-grade read that promotes compassion and empathy over competitiveness." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Laced with Mexican-American language and culture, this realistic drama is filled with gentle humor, big lessons, and even bigger heart." -- Publishers Weekly

Praise for Gaby, Lost and Found:

"A timely, touching and nuanced portrayal of real-life challenges experienced by

children in mixed-status families."-- Kirkus Reviews

"An emotionally compelling story." - School Library Journal