New Spanish-Language Books Releasing in March

The phenomenal fifth book in the Hunger Games series! When you’ve been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for? As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight…and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

Everyone knows the most stressful day of middle school is picture day! And that’s exactly where this yearbook-worthy graphic novel series opener begins: with reinventing yourself, drama, popularity, and the friends who see you through. Seventh-grader Viv never looks forward to picture day. It’s just another day where she wears a boring braid and no one notices her. (Her two best friends, Milo and Al, don’t count, of course.)  But enough is enough. This year, she’s taking matters into her own hands. Literally. Viv grabs a pair of scissors, her phone for live-streaming, and, well, bye-bye braid. Suddenly Viv is an over-night influencer at Brinkley Middle School. Everyone wants her help planning their next big moment—from haircuts, to dance proposals, activist rallies and mathlete championships. She hardly even has time for her friends anymore. It’s exactly how she dreamed of reinventing herself…right? In the tradition of modern classics like Vera Brosgol’s Be Prepared, Svetlana Chmakova’s Awkward, and Kayla Miller’s Click, Picture Day brings answers to perennial questions of what it means to be true to yourself—and a true friend.

This is Belén Domínguez’ true story: a novel based on her life, where despite tough times, there is always a ray of light to keep us moving forward.   Belén is an ordinary girl with an ordinary life. She lives in Madrid and enjoys her job, her partner, and her friends. It’s summer, vacation is around the corner, and everyone is full of plans and dreams to fulfill—until a pain in her back sends her to the doctor. What seemed like a simple muscle strain turns out to be a tumor in her spinal cord. In an instant, her life changes, and with her world turned upside down, she prepares to face this new challenge in the best way possible.   The word “cancer” has been echoing in her head for over a year now, and although it’s a difficult time, she approaches it with joy and self-confidence, ready to face it head-on.   Because life is beautiful. Even like this. Even now.   “The flowers on the windowsill bring a smile to my face as if they could read my thoughts. August is for the brave, I think, and this year, my courage takes the form of chrysanthemums.”

Do you know the legend of the peaceful tides? Irene Vallejo brings this story from Ovid’s Metamorphoses to life, offering a luminous, poetic retelling, beautifully illustrated by Lina Vila.   A tale for brave readers of all ages, ready to set sail toward the unknown. For those who have kept secrets and longed for someone by the sea. For those who have visited the land of dreams and stayed there even after waking. For parents who rejoice at the return of migratory birds. For grandmothers who forget yesterday’s events but remember their childhood stories. For lovers of classic myths and admirers of art who wish to dive into the magical watercolors of a gifted illustrator. For everyone who has caught sight of the blue and orange feathers of a kingfisher.