¡Ay, Mija! (a Graphic Novel): My Bilingual Summer in Mexico

"An absolutely heartwarming and vibrant story of belonging, family, and the meaning of home. This book is a treasure." - Julie Murphy, New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin'

In this bilingual, inventive, and heartfelt debut, graphic novel talent Christine Suggs explores a trip they took to Mexico to visit family, embracing and rebelling against their heritage and finding a sense of belonging.

Sixteen-year-old Christine takes their first solo trip to Mexico to spend a few weeks with their grandparents and tía. At first, Christine struggles to connect with family they don't yet share a language with. Seeing the places their mom grew up--the school she went to, the café where she had her first date with their father--Christine becomes more and more aware of the generational differences in their family.

Soon Christine settles into life in Mexico, eating pan dulce, drawing what they see, and growing more comfortable with Spanish. But when Mom joins their trip, Christine's two worlds collide. They feel homesick for Texas, struggle against traditions, and miss being able to speak to their mom without translating. Eventually, through exploring the impacts of colonialism in both Mexico and themselves, they find their place in their family and start to feel comfortable with their mixed identity.

Publisher: Little, Brown Ink
Published: 04/04/2023
Pages: 336
Weight: 1.45lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.50w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9780316591928
Age: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 02/01/2023 pg. 35
School Library Journal 02/01/2023 pg. 91
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2023
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2023
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2023 pg. 165

About the Author
Christine Suggs is an illustrator, designer, and comic artist. Their work explores the intersection of their identities, namely being a queer, fat, Latinx feminist who loves all things cute. They're also way too into Pokémon and cats. They're currently living in Dallas, TX with their super rad husband and insanely adorable pets.