What do you think?
Rate this book
Stella Díaz #3
Stella Díaz Dreams Big
In Stella Díaz Dreams Big, by award-winning author and illustrator Angela Dominguez, how will Stella fare when the waters get rough?
Stella is happy as a clam in fourth grade. She's the president of the Sea Musketeers conservation club, she starts taking swim lessons, and she joins a new art club at school. But as her schedule fills up, school gets harder, too. Suddenly the tides have turned, and she is way too busy!
Stella will be in an ocean of trouble if she can't keep her head above water. But with her trusty Sea Musketeers by her side, she hopes to make her big dreams come true!
Based on the author's experiences growing up Mexican-American, this infectiously charming character comes to life through relatable storytelling including simple Spanish vocabulary and adorable black-and-white art.
Stella is happy as a clam in fourth grade. She's the president of the Sea Musketeers conservation club, she starts taking swim lessons, and she joins a new art club at school. But as her schedule fills up, school gets harder, too. Suddenly the tides have turned, and she is way too busy!
Stella will be in an ocean of trouble if she can't keep her head above water. But with her trusty Sea Musketeers by her side, she hopes to make her big dreams come true!
Based on the author's experiences growing up Mexican-American, this infectiously charming character comes to life through relatable storytelling including simple Spanish vocabulary and adorable black-and-white art.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
About the author
Angela Dominguez
33 books107 followersAngela Dominguez was born in Mexico City and grew up in the great state of Texas. She now resides on the east coast with her boyfriend, Kyle, and their petite dog, Petunia.
She is also the author and illustrator of several books for children and a two-time recipient of Pura Belpré Illustration Honor. Her debut middle grade novel, Stella Díaz Has Something To Say, was a New York Public Library and a Chicago Public Library pick for Best Books for Kids, Sid Fleischman Award winner, and an ALA Notable. She recently illustrated Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s newest picture book, Just Help! How to Build a Better World. When Angela is not in her studio or visiting schools, she teaches at the Academy of Art University, which honored her with their Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013.
Angela is a proud member of SCBWI, PEN America, and represented by Wernick and Pratt Literary Agency. As a child, she loved reading books and making a mess creating pictures. She’s delighted to still be doing both.
She is also the author and illustrator of several books for children and a two-time recipient of Pura Belpré Illustration Honor. Her debut middle grade novel, Stella Díaz Has Something To Say, was a New York Public Library and a Chicago Public Library pick for Best Books for Kids, Sid Fleischman Award winner, and an ALA Notable. She recently illustrated Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s newest picture book, Just Help! How to Build a Better World. When Angela is not in her studio or visiting schools, she teaches at the Academy of Art University, which honored her with their Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013.
Angela is a proud member of SCBWI, PEN America, and represented by Wernick and Pratt Literary Agency. As a child, she loved reading books and making a mess creating pictures. She’s delighted to still be doing both.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 11, 2021
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!
Read my full review on my blog.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2025
We’re back for more Stella! She is such a relatable character with the same problems and mistakes we have. My Sloane really relates to her having so many ideas and wanting to do so many things! (Me too, dude) Her family and friends are so endearing and help her in really empowering ways.
May 21, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
December 14, 2020
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
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
December 26, 2020
Stella Diaz has grown so much since book one! This is book three in this young middle grade series, and she now has friends, is in clubs, and is fitting in. In fact, that's the big problem in this book!
She gets overextended and isn't able to fulfill all the obligations she's volunteered for. She wants to do it all and she has to understand that she needs to make choices and prioritize, super important lessons for kids that are usually skipped (or made by parents.) Also when she lets her friends down, she has to talk to them about it and deal with their anger and frustration. Another important lesson. There are a few Spanish words sprinkled throughout but nothing that tripped up this non-Spanish speaker.
It's a fun read, not too hard, with good lessons that don't overpower the story.
She gets overextended and isn't able to fulfill all the obligations she's volunteered for. She wants to do it all and she has to understand that she needs to make choices and prioritize, super important lessons for kids that are usually skipped (or made by parents.) Also when she lets her friends down, she has to talk to them about it and deal with their anger and frustration. Another important lesson. There are a few Spanish words sprinkled throughout but nothing that tripped up this non-Spanish speaker.
It's a fun read, not too hard, with good lessons that don't overpower the story.
October 18, 2020
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.
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.
November 12, 2020
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.
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.
January 2, 2021
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.
Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2025
3.5 stars. This is about Stella being in 4th grade and trying to juggle all the things she wants to do. She's still leading the "sea musketeers" (her ocean conservationist group) but they suggest a co president to help her as she's also trying to juggle art club. She's hurt but then realizes its for the best. We also get the beginning of conversations around boys and girls being friends versus "like, liking" each other and I could've done without that but at 4th grade, its probably appropriate.
October 27, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-arc of this book. 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.
January 27, 2021
I have read the first one in this series but not the second one. It is a easy read. It is about a girl named Stella who is a president of a club and she signs up for to swimming and a painting class at her school she also has to focus on a egg drop she is doing in school her life is so packed full of stuff. Then she gets a new neighbor that has a daughter maybe things will be ok. She is mad after her club makes one of the people co president. Will every thing be ok?
February 9, 2021
Good book for children! Has real issues that students might face such as being too busy/overcommitting, and how to manage all their different interests and activities. The Spanish interspersed in the story is easy to understand for younger readers, as Stella organically explains the meanings of the Spanish vocabulary. A nice story about a caring family and balancing family commitments, school, clubs, and relationships.
November 7, 2020
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.
June 11, 2022
What a great series, and what a great addition to the series --Stella has started 4th grade and has lots of new experiences to pursue (swimming lessons! Art club! camping!) as well as old passions she doesn't want to give up (Sea Musketeers). Fortunately her mom and her friends are all on board to help her find her balance and not get overwhelmed. Lovely story.
December 7, 2022
3.5⭐️ I enjoyed this book but not as good as book 2. So many lessons learned! Stella must learn to to share responsibilities, schedule her time and so much more. I did not know about this series until I picked it up but I am enjoying t very much.
December 9, 2022
I love this more than the other books in the series. This one resonated with me as I tend to get really overwhelmed with stuff as an adult. It's nice to know and to encourage children to follow their dreams.
January 31, 2021
Loved it! What a cute book! Love this series & this author!
July 4, 2021
Stella starts 4th grade, enjoying her teacher, clubs and swimming lessons. Readers see Stella learn to manage activities and homework. The loving Díaz family is frosting on the cake here. Wonderful!
December 31, 2021
I just love this book SO much.I have to say that she she a great author and I would recommend this book for ages 5 and up.
June 25, 2022
My least favorite.
June 21, 2023
Beau's review: I liked when she went camping. And I like when the Sea Musketeers meet.
September 27, 2023
Another read with Maggie. A good realistic fiction read for upper elementary kids, particularly a sensitive look at being overscheduled and overwhelmed with extracurriculars.
June 4, 2026
It is amazing. I loved it!
October 3, 2021
“On the first day of fourth grade, I made a list of dreams for the school year.”
Stella and best friends, Jenny and Stanley, are ready for another great school year. Stella is excited about being President of the Sea Musketeers club again, but there are also other things she'd like to try. Jenny invites Stella to take swimming lessons with her. And there's an art club starting up after school, which Stella would also like to join. But is she biting off more than she can chew? “I want to tell her that I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by all the things I want to do, but I’m afraid she’ll tell me to cut back on something. So I just stay quiet.”
Something else is different this year. Though Stella and Stanley have been friends forever, suddenly Ben, another classmate, is starting to make an issue about it. “We’re in fourth grade now, and everyone knows boys and girls can’t just be friends.” Why can't boys and girls be just friends? After, Stanley is so cool. He enjoys doing "weird" things with Stella and “He is like a water-skipper bug. He lets rude comments glide beneath him like water.”
There are also new neightbors, Diego & Izzy. Could Diego be a new friend for Mom? A lot is happening this year and Stella must learn how to prioritize, be honest and stand up for what she believes. She also needs to listen to her friends when they are trying to help her. A good story for 2nd - 4th grade students.
Stella and best friends, Jenny and Stanley, are ready for another great school year. Stella is excited about being President of the Sea Musketeers club again, but there are also other things she'd like to try. Jenny invites Stella to take swimming lessons with her. And there's an art club starting up after school, which Stella would also like to join. But is she biting off more than she can chew? “I want to tell her that I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by all the things I want to do, but I’m afraid she’ll tell me to cut back on something. So I just stay quiet.”
Something else is different this year. Though Stella and Stanley have been friends forever, suddenly Ben, another classmate, is starting to make an issue about it. “We’re in fourth grade now, and everyone knows boys and girls can’t just be friends.” Why can't boys and girls be just friends? After, Stanley is so cool. He enjoys doing "weird" things with Stella and “He is like a water-skipper bug. He lets rude comments glide beneath him like water.”
There are also new neightbors, Diego & Izzy. Could Diego be a new friend for Mom? A lot is happening this year and Stella must learn how to prioritize, be honest and stand up for what she believes. She also needs to listen to her friends when they are trying to help her. A good story for 2nd - 4th grade students.
January 22, 2021
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. Thanks for the dARC, Edelweiss and NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews