CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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Halfway to Somewhere

by Jose Pimienta

CCBC Review:

Adjusting to life in Lawrence, Kansas, proves challenging for nonbinary Ave (Mexican American), who has moved there with their mom and younger brother, Ramón. They miss the bustle of Mexicali and long for the day when their older sister and father will join them in Kansas. Stuck in their professor mom’s office during the summer, Ave meets future classmate Rene. Unlike Ramón, Ave doesn’t speak much English and worries that if they learn, they’ll risk losing their native tongue. Although Rene’s Spanish is limited, he and his friends warmly fold Ave into their friend group, even inviting them to be the fourth in their track team’s relay group. Things are just beginning to look up when Ave learns that there were never any plans to reunite the family. Their parents have separated, and Ave feels betrayed and devastated. Repairing the broken trust in the family will require both Ave and their mother to open up about feelings and experiences they’ve been keeping to themselves. This graphic novel inspired by the author’s personal experience deftly depicts a young person trying to hold onto their identity in a place so far—literally and culturally—from home, especially when it seems everyone in their life has a different opinion on what it means to be Mexican. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Jose Pimienta

CCBC Age Recommendation: 9-13
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format: Graphic Novel
Subjects: Change Identity Mexicans and Mexican Americans Moving Nonbinary People Separation Spanish Language Trust Truth and Lies
Diversity subject: Latine LGBTQ Character/Topic
On CCBC Booklist: LGBTQ Lives in Selected Children's and Young Adult Books

Publisher: RH Graphic
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 239
ISBN: 9780593569450
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 741.5 Pimienta

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