Luna

Soledad is the daughter of migrant farm workers. Because her papá and mamá go where the work goes, Soledad is constantly changing homes, and she is the new girl at one school after another. The other children that she encounters are friends with one another already, as evidenced by their elaborate games, acrobatics and juggling displays. Frustrated, Soledad turns inward, finding comfort in books, in the stars, and in the company of the friendly moon, Luna. Soledad realizes that no matter where she moves with her family, Luna is always there. She and Luna agree to be best friends, and they quickly devise their own special games, inside jokes and funky dances. For the first time in her life, Soledad feels the joy of friendship. Then she meets Frida and Emilio, two kids who seem just as lonely as Soledad. Wanting to help her friend, Luna encourages Soledad to reach out to Frida and Emilio, saying, "Taking risks is hard to do, but taking risks builds courage, too." Soledad's choice sends her on an emotional roller coaster, compelling her to challenge Papá and Mamá, threatening her chance at making human friends, and testing her new friendship with Luna. While Soledad's story is shaped by her family's circumstances, it will resonate with anyone who has wondered, "How do I make—and hold on to—a good friend?"