Pardalita [Paperback]

MILDRED L. BATCHELDER HONOR WINNER

School Library Journal Best of the Year
BCCB Best of the Year (Blue Ribbon Selection)

A beautiful slice-of-life story that isThis One Summermeets Ursula K. Le Guin’sVery Far Away from Anywhere Else, told in flashbacks

16-year-old Raquel lives in a small town in Portugal, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else’s business. Her parents are divorced and she’s just been suspended for cursing out a school aide asking about her father’s new marriage. She has two best friends, Luísa and Fred, but wants something more. Then, from afar, she sees Pardalita, a senior and a gifted artist who’s moving to Lisbon to study in the fall. The two girls get to know each other while working on a play. And Raquel falls in love.

Using a gorgeous blend of prose poems, illustrations, and graphic novel format, author and artist Joana Estrela captures the feeling of being a teenager in a way that feels gentle, joyful, and real.

P R A I S E

★ “Intimate…Through a fledgling queer romance, the creator presents a story of change, connection, and transformation.”
—Publishers Weekly(starred)

★ "The elegant simplicity of this book belies the artistic depth and emotional resonance contained within. Will leave readers in quiet, piercing satisfaction."
—Booklist(starred)

★ “A leisurely, emotional stroll through a slice-of-life story that explores identity and sexuality in an authentically sweet and subtle way.”
—School Library Journal(starred)

★ “The writing style is intriguing and deliberate...the slice-of-life approach working perfectly with Estrela’s creative vision in switching up formats to best convey Raquel’s intense and powel3E