About this book

Aspiring artist Kacie spends most of her time on Mercer Street with her best friend, Nisha, people-watching and doodling whatever is happening in their neighborhood. But when she comes back from a summer away, the local corner store is boarded up, the adults in town are all on edge, and Nisha is nowhere to be found! Everything is changing, and Kacie’s not sure what to do about it. Especially without Nisha to help her.

But Kacie has a knack for noticing things, and with her sketchbooks and observational skills, she just might have what it takes to figure out what’s really happening on Mercer Street.

Filled with both cartoons and graphic comic panels, Booki Vivat draws a hilarious-yet-deeply-perceptive portrait of a changing neighborhood, a mysterious disappearance, and the girl who’s determined to understand how she fits in to the picture.

Reviews

“This journal-style graphic novel tells a touching story with cartoon drawings and highlights the importance of family and community. With a rising cost of living and an uncertain future for many small communities, this timely story is likely to resonate with lots of middle-grade readers, who will take away the message that, when everyone does their small part, they can make big things happen.” ­– Booklist

“Relying on both prose and comics, Vivat fills Kacie’s world with textured, diverse neighbors, and the engaging cartoon artwork and gentle yet honest writing result in an authentic and accessible read… An appealing story of neighborhood change.” – Kirkus

"An absolute delight! These characters will linger in your heart." - Jennifer L. Holm, New York Times bestselling author and co-creator of Sunny Side Up

"Part graphic novel, part text, all heart. Booki Vivat has created something truly special with this illustrated story of friendship and community. I wish that I could live on Mercer Street!" - Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honor winner

"An uplifting and timely story about friendship, community and change. Kids will love how the fun illustrations bring Kacie’s sleuthing adventures around the neighborhood to life!" - Janae Marks, author of From the Desk of Zoe Washington

"Meet Me on Mercer Street is truly special—funny, heartfelt, and deeply thoughtful. Booki Vivat has a gift, and this book is a joy." - Tae Keller, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger

"A brilliant book about the strength of community—and the power of art to observe, inspire, and make change. Visually stunning, emotionally tender, and laugh-out-loud funny. Kacie is adorable, and Mercer Street is the place to be!" - Lauren Magaziner, author of the Case Closed series