The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First Seasons

★ “A powerful love letter to finding and using your voice, this story will resonate deeply with those who struggle to feel seen and nurtured, particularly young women of color… A compelling drama with a firecracker protagonist that stuns with its strikingly beautiful writing.” —Kirkus, starred review

★ “The perfect read for teens who are being impacted by book banning and other sociopolitical changes.” —Booklist, starred review

“Mendez’s poetry flows effortlessly, fully realizing Yuli’s struggles and joy…A must-have for all YA collections.” —School Library Journal

“This poignant novel…marries verse poems with playwriting in a narrative that centers timely questions about banned books and free speech. Passionate text that braids together Spanish and English deftly depicts Yuli’s journey from an aspiring actor in the wings of the real world to the fearless “leading lady” of her own life.” —Publishers Weekly

“Both timely and disheartening in its realism, the book ends with a hopeful note about the significance of unheard stories that need to be told.” —BCCB