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“Rica once more proves an enchanting narrator with an authentic voice, by turns wildly imaginative and grounded in her compassion for Serenity. . ..Jose’s black-and-white artwork makes effective use of shading, depicting characters with distinctive facial features. . . .Heartfelt and engaging.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Young readers will relate to the fun and curiosity, as well as the exploration of feelings in this faith, ­community, and family-driven story. Illustrations throughout enhance the story.”

—School Library Journal

“With fast-paced chapters and black-and-white illustrations, this chapter book offers burgeoning readers a chance to be just as imaginative as Rica and Laini while building their empathy.”

—Booklist

Rica Baptista: The Box of Possibilities (Rica Baptista #3)

Written by Janet Costa Bates
Illustrated by Gladys Jose
Published by Candlewick

Rica and Laini can’t imagine what’s inside the mysterious box sent from anything-but-ordinary Uncle Moose. Or can they? Lively creativity and humor shine in Rica’s latest adventure.

Rica and her best friend Laini are bubbling over with curiosity. A mystery box has appeared on Rica’s doorstep, and nobody will open it! Momma says they must wait for Uncle Moose, who mailed the box to himself. But he’s on vacation in Cape Verde and won’t be home for days. So Rica and Laini speculate about what’s inside: a fold-up car from the future, a stuffed giraffe who turns into a real giraffe, magical perma-frozen ice cream? Or even better, superpowers! Rica and Laini practice their own superpowers—like flying (zip line and jumping) and invisibility (tiptoeing and hiding)—to get ready for the big reveal, even in the face of Rica’s cousin Serenity’s disbelief. Could superpowers be real, and will Rica’s true superpower emerge when Uncle Moose finally returns? A funny story of family and possibility, enhanced by charming illustrations.

Don’t miss the rest of the series! Explore:

Primary ISBN: 9781536227673
Publication Date: November 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Chapter Book, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation

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

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