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On The Block: Stories of Home
In her introduction to this 12-author anthology, Meg Medina writes about growing up in an apartment building. “Together, we were tenants, neighbors, and, occasionally, friends who shared a mail room, a front stoop to cool off on hot evenings, and thin walls that offered us—for better and for worse—glimpses into each other’s lives.” The twelve interconnected short stories that follow, set in a single five-story apartment building in New York City, capture the sense of curiosity and connection among its diverse middle school-age protagonists. They include Lila, a recent immigrant from Trinidad acclimating to her new home (Apt. 5B); Cuban American Yaniel, whose passion for bridge-building requires consuming many, many popsicles (Apt. 6C); and Japanese American Emi, a reluctant visitor to the building where her aunt is living after moving from Japan (Apt. 3B). Many of the kids have established friendships, but new friendships are also formed in this enjoyable offering that culminates in a building-wide gathering. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 9-12
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Short Stories
Subjects:
Anthologies
City Life
Community
Cubans and Cuban Americans
Friendship
Japanese and Japanese Americans
Trinidadians
Diversity subject:
Multicultural General
Publishers:
Crown, Random House, Crown Books for Young Readers
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 190
ISBN: 9780593648445
CCBC Location: Fiction, Oh