Merci Suárez Changes Gears
by Meg Medina
2019
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- friendship
- identity
- coming of age
- socioeconomic class
- school life
- change and resilience
- intergenerational relationships
About this book
Sixth-grader Merci Suárez navigates a new year at an elite Florida school while balancing big changes at home with her close Cuban American family. She tackles friendships, first-time responsibilities, and the pressure of fitting in when money is tight. Merci’s humor, heart, and determination make her easy to root for as she learns to speak up and find her place. A warm, relatable story perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic school and family adventures.
Setting: contemporary South Florida; Seaward Pines Academy and a close-knit extended family community
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merci Suárez Changes Gears right for my child?
Yes — Merci Suárez Changes Gears is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family, friendship, identity.
How long does it take to read Merci Suárez Changes Gears?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Merci Suárez Changes Gears takes around 7.5h to finish. The book has 67,300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Merci Suárez Changes Gears have an AR quiz?
Yes — Merci Suárez Changes Gears has an AR quiz available, worth 10 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Merci Suárez Changes Gears?
Merci Suárez Changes Gears has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.