The Other Half of Happy

Interviews

• Story of the book’s origin in audio at Teaching Books
• Video presentation for Metropolitan Library System, Oklahoma City
• Radio interview on KTEP, the public radio station of El Paso, TX
• Mr. Alex’s video interviews with Rebecca in 8/2020,Part 1 and Part 2 (spoilers here!)
• Cover reveal on 100 Scope Notes — includes a quick background of the book!
• The Book Goat – text interview
• Changing Hands bookstore newsletter – text interview
• Latinas Leyendo — text interview and review
• The Collegian, newspaper of Tarrant County College, text interview & article
• Latinx In Kid Lit text interview with Rebecca
• TCC News text interview by Tarrant County College

Lists

• Bookriot’s 20 Must-Read Children’s Books About Family: “the prose in this novel sings.”
• Latinidad List 2019 by Marcela Landres: Her Middle Grade Selection – “Pitch-perfect depiction of the trials and tribulations of being bicultural not just in the US, but in middle grade.”
• A Mighty Girl’s 2019 Books of the Year listing   “Lyrical and heartfelt, this poetic debut novel will speak to anyone who has felt like they live between the “categories” of our world.” Also: 60 Empowering Books Starring Latina Mighty Girls list and Love Through the Generations: 50 Books About Mighty Girls and Their Grandparents
• Afoma Umesi’s 20 Best Middle-grade Books with Biracial Protagonists
• BookRiot’s Children’s Book Week 5/6/2021: 8 Middle Grade Books with Latinx Characters

Reviews

• School Library Journal starred review “This is a title that will remain relevant long past its publication date. A must-have for all library collections.”
• Booklist Starred review: “With poetic, flowing prose that sometimes feels more like a song and characters so convincing that they seem real, Balcárcel’s stunning debut depicts the struggles of being raised with two cultures and the challenges of not being “authentic” enough—in this case, “not Guatemalan enough” or “not American enough.” A lovely, moving, and realistic view of the struggles and insecurities—as well as the beauty—that comes from being bicultural.” — Selenia Paz
• Mr. Alex’s Bookshelf — “Balcárcel is exceptional. An excellent Middle Grade selection, and a strong recommendation for Young Adults and Adults as well.”
• Latinas Leyendo — “one of the best and most compassionate depictions of autism I have ever read in fiction.”
• Gabi’s Books Reviews: “This was the first time I really got to see myself on the page.”
• Metamorphoreader: “It’s amazing reading a book where the family isn’t broken or what triggers the plot. . . . The writing was easy to read, it flowed like water and that made me devour the book in just a couple days . . .”
• Latinx in Kid Lit review : “Balcárcel combines the personal with the universal into a story that is likely to be felt deeply by preteens far beyond the Latinx community.”
• The Children’s Book Review: “its language is pure poetry. It’s so riveting it will speak to anyone who has ever made the mistake in believing that they didn’t belong somewhere.”
• That’s What She’s Reading Review:
  “Quijana’s voice hooked me from the opening, establishing herself as a strong, relatable, and authentic protagonist. This is an absolutely stunning debut that begs to be read aloud and shared widely!”
• Hall Ways Blog review: “It’s lyrical, it’s deep, it’s highly relevant, and most of all, it’s REAL. The characters all pop to life.”
• MissusGonzo blog review: “a compelling story that teaches great life lessons.”
• Book Fidelity blog review: “emotional and endearing, and readers of all cultures should take the time to read Quijana’s story.”
• Reading by Moonlight book review: “an expressive and melodic story that is recognizable and heartbreaking, humbling and triumphant, and explosive and tender. “
• Association of Children’s Librarians of Northern California, written by Louise Yu: “Rich and original prose . . . this engrossing book will delight readers.”
• WriteBetween, Bi-cultural website by Gabriella Aldeman: “Balcárcel’s Quijana and her parents are so well-developed that their internal struggles will resonate and stay with you.”
• Cherry Blossoms and Maple Syrup book review: “a fantastic story about growing up, accepting parts of your roots, and coming to terms with cultural differences.”