Stella Diaz Dreams Big is a heartwarming addition to the Stella Diaz series. This relatable early middle-grade book has lovely black and white illustrations perfect for kids who are just getting into thicker chapter books. With a theme affecting many young people today — over-scheduling — this book is sure to make waves among young readers who will see themselves in Stella’s predicament. I would highly recommend this for kids ages 7-10!

No need to shelve this title! Young readers will enjoy a familiar character and her interactions as a fourth grader. Angela Dominguez writes a relatable story line with strong vivid characters.

What a wonderful book for 3rd-5th grade students! 4th grade Stella has found so many activities that she loves-Her Sea Musketeers club is doing all that they can to protect the ocean and the marine life in it, art club, and swimming lessons plus she is having the increase in homework that comes with getting older and, of course, there are the complexities that come from changing friendships. Author Dominguez does a masterful job of keeping the plot simple without letting it become dull, including Spanish words surrounded by context rich vocabulary so that all know clearly what is said, and teaching valuable life lessons about time management and peer relationships without sounding preachy. Teachers, librarians and parents of mid-elementary school students will appreciate a book that connects with all while also illustrating a family who clearly value their rich Mexican heritage. The Stella books will challenge its readers to take on a book of significant length, but are not likely to intimidate them with overly complex vocabulary. Another nice touch is that reading the series in order does not seem to be necessary as I haven’t read books 1 and 2, but had zero confusion while reading this 3rd installment.

Stella Díaz Dreams Big is a great addition to the Stella Díaz series. In this book, Stella is dealing with overcommitting to activities and with her mother starting to date again after her parents' divorce. The story is engaging and can be read as a stand-alone. I love the Spanish scattered throughout the book. For those that do not speak Spanish, the author does a good job of letting the reader know what is being said without it sounding like a Spanish lesson.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love this series! I have them in my library and plan on buying this one. I love how the books incorporate Spanish so kids get exposure to this as well as maybe see words they know if they speak Spanish.
Love the characters and can't wait for the next book!

I should start off by saying that I LOVE the Stella Diaz series. I think they are the perfect books for strong 2nd-3rd readers and excellent plot lines for reluctant 4th-5th readers. I purchased Stella Diaz Has Something to Say when I noticed a few third grade girls were struggling to find their place in their classroom. While I do not know what difference it made in their classroom, the books has been passed around that group of girls and always requested. Our school counselor and myself had a book club scheduled for this series prior to the Covid-19 outbreak and hope to revive it after this is over.

For all that I love the first book, I think I like this book better. This book speaks with a richer voice and more authority. Yet at the same time, Stella still struggles with her insecurities and questions. She branches out with her relationships, yet hold true to her original supporters. She is willing to learn and listen, yet stands up for herself. This is such a great progression to an already great book series.

(Spoilers) Stella deals with real issues such as overextending herself and her mom beginning to date again. Yet there is not any forced hot topic social issues. Everything that Stella Diaz deals with feels organic and authentic. I appreciate that the author did not feel the need to add several controversial subjects for Stella to deal with as is popular in Children’s Literature today. She kept all the issues Stella deals with to any issues any child would face regardless of their situation. As a librarian, this makes it so much easier to recommend to my struggling readers who have a hard enough time without having to pick apart complicated social issues. They can focus on a powerful , yet easily digested, plot with realistic characters they can relate with.

This book and series will be on my Spring and Summer Break Reading List for my 3rd-4th Graders. I am very fortunate to recommend this book!

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy. The opinions expressed in this review are all mine. #netgalley #stelladiazdreamsbig

Continuing the excellent Stella Diaz series, this latest title is perfect for lower MG readers, English language learners, and readers who enjoy heart-warming stories with relatable and engaging main characters. Stella’s perseverance and growth throughout the series is wonderful and an empathetic example to readers. Highly recommended.

I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Dominguez continues to develop these characters in this third book about Stella. She's now in fourth grade and has gained confidence in herself. This year brings more homework and more opportunities for new activities. Stella finds herself in a place both new and more mature readers will relate to - she's overcommitted and not sure how to balance her time. Plus, she doesn't want to burden anyone else so doesn't ask for help. A valuable lesson to learn at a younger age. Through some mistakes and almost disasters, Stella learns that everyone needs help at times.
Well developed characters and realistic situations that upper elementary level readers will relate to.

Stella Diaz doesn't disappoint in her latest adventures. This is great book for tweens and upper elementary as it tackles real experiences like the challenge of balancing homework and after school activities or a divorced parent starting to date. The third Stella Diaz book will continue to delight young readers.

Wonderful as ever! Definitely recommending to many folks. My 8-year-old niece loves the series and recommends it to her classmates.

The third Stella Diaz book did not disappoint. This time, Stella is facing too many commitments and not enough time. The Sea Musketeers, swimming lessons, the new art club, plus more homework in 4th grade...all combine to make Stella feel stressed. I loved that this book dealt with school stress, bullying, a mother’s possible boyfriend, and friendship issues.

Cute, fun follow up to the first two in the series.
Stella is starting 4th grade and has big plans. She attended camp and started a club, the Sea Musketeers, started swim lessons, and joined the art club. After a few weeks, she starts to feel overwhelmed by it all. She wants to do everything, but there is more homework and her clubs require more commitment than she thought. She is also getting bullied by Ben for being friends with Sam. When her club decides that there should be co-presidents instead of just a president, Stella takes it personally. She feels as thought they are telling her to leave. After talking it out with her mom, she realizes that she can share the responsibility and still be a part of the club and have fun.