Angela Dominguez writes beautifully in a book (series) that is entertaining, attention-getting, and identity affirming for young readers. Stella Diaz is always a delight.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book! This was a very sweet chapter book about Stella starting fifth grade and preparing for the changes of middle school. This is a book in a series, but the first Stella Diaz book I have read, and I really enjoyed it. Stella is passionate about helping the environment, particularly the ocean, and has a dedicated club with her friends called the Sea Musketeers. In this book, Stella applies to a magnet school for art and science and struggles with the changes of growing up alongside her friends and family. She immigrated to the U.S. and became a citizen before the start of this book, and I really liked the Spanish sprinkled in throughout the book. The book was a wonderful coming-of-age middle grade story and would be great for kids and families.

This was a super cute chapter book about heading to fifth grade and all the changes that will happen once you move on to middle school. How change is ok and that even though you won’t still be with your friends at the same school anymore for middle school that you can still hang out after school and still maintain your friendship. I like the Spanish that was sprinkled throughout the text and how she was proud of her heritage and her family. While working with her 3rd grade bully she realizes that people change and grow and she isn’t mean anymore.

Thanks to Roaring Brook Press and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.

“Stella Díaz Leaps to the Future” is the 5th Stella Díaz book by Angela Dominguez. Book 5 will be released on March 21, 2023. Be sure to preorder this one!

This is the story of a girl named Stella. She is now a 5th grader who is starting to think about middle school. Stella was recommended to apply at a nearby magnet school, which is exciting for Stella, but also makes her think about all the changes she will soon be facing.

I have enjoyed all five Stella Díaz stories. I enjoy the illustrations throughout the book- also by Angela Dominguez.