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“[T]his tale set in New York City explores familiar themes—the weight of parental expectations in immigrant families, finding the courage to be oneself—in a lighthearted package.”
—Kirkus Review

Bodega Cats: Just Kitten Around (Bodega Cats #2)

Written by Hilda Eunice Burgos
Illustrated by Siara Faison
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Everyone thinks Yesenia is calm, collected, and crushing it. But really, her stomach is constantly a ball of nerves. With parents who left their home in the Dominican Republic to make a better life for their kids, and three perfect, over-achieving older sisters, Yesenia can’t let anyone know about the anxiety that’s causing her to fall behind in school. When her doctor tells her parents that taking care of an animal could help, little did they know her newly adopted kitten would be such a mischievous influence.

All kitten Candy can think about is adventure–and what’s she supposed to do when her owner is cooped up inside helping at the bodega? But when Candy escapes and gets lost in New York City for a night, she realizes maybe the big open world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Can these two find a way out of feeling so lost, as long they’re together?

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Primary ISBN: 9781250903761
Publication Date: January 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 07 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New York NY)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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