Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina was chosen as our book this month.

Could this be another Newbery medal for Meg Medina?

I'm about halfway done with the audiobook for this title and I don't know if I am going to finish it. It is boring and I have a stack of books I would rather read. I also got confused by the timeline. I think I must have missed something listening instead of reading it. It seemed like the shipwreck that killed Fernando happens right before Jorge ends up meeting Graciella, but I think 100 years should have passed? I must have missed that it was a flashback. Maybe it is clearer in the print version. I like the Jorge character and his backstory, but I find I don't want to pick the book up to finish it.

I really liked this one! The premise is really imaginative and I felt the themes carried through as all the pieces fell into place. I do wish the guide to the characters/terminology had been at the beginning because I was a little lost on the mythology. But it was a solid 5 stars for me.

I largely agree with Dana on this one -- the storyline of Graciela wasn't as engaging as Jorge, but I forged through to the end and was satisfied by the ending. I also thing the guide to the terminology should be at the front of the book for anyone confused by the terms. This does not make my list of Newbery contenders.