Meg Medina
Meg Medina
Meg Medina
Meg Medina has emerged as one of the most vital voices in contemporary children’s literature, bringing layered storytelling and genuine emotion to the coming-of-age novel. Her 2019 Newbery Medal–winning Merci Suárez Changes Gears stands as testament to her ability to capture the subtle complexities of adolescence—the small moments that define us, the family dynamics that shape us, and the courage it takes to navigate change. Through Merci’s eyes, readers experience what it means to be a scholarship student at a private school, to grapple with identity and belonging, and to find strength in unexpected places, all delivered with Medina’s characteristic warmth and insight.
Medina’s work is marked by her commitment to centering Latinx experiences and perspectives in children’s literature, a contribution that has only grown more significant as the industry increasingly recognizes the importance of authentic, diverse storytelling. Her prose balances accessibility with sophistication, never talking down to young readers while remaining deeply engaging for adults who pick up her books. With the Newbery recognition, Medina joined a distinguished circle of authors who have shaped how children see themselves and their worlds reflected in literature—a distinction that reflects not just critical acclaim, but the real impact her stories have on readers navigating their own transformations.
