Ask My Mood Ring How I Feel

Chia Montenegro is the kind of girl who describes conversations with boys as “close encounters of the third kind” and favors T-shirts with slogans like, “I’m right 97% of the time. Who cares about the other 4%?” In other words, she’s an entirely disarming and sympathetic narrator. Over the summer, Chia’s mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, which spurs worries and changes throughout their family. Chia’s younger sister begins to compulsively count and clean, her father starts losing his temper, and 13-year-old Chia feels the weight of caring for her high-maintenance two-year-old brother and trying to stay supportive. After visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in southern Texas, Chia dedicates herself to a promesa, vowing to secure 500 sponsors for a Walk for the Cure in exchange (she hopes) for her mother’s recovery. López (Choke) skillfully balances emotional moments with humorous ones, offering an honest portrait of a family under strain. Chia’s clever, cheeky voice and a strong cast contribute to an inspiring story about developing “a special kind of bravery.” Ages 8–12. Agent: Stefanie Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary. (June)