Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kind story teaches social skills, scheduling, some Spanish.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In STELLA DIAZ DREAMS BIG, the third book in the series, fourth-grader Stella Díaz is excited to start the school year and joins every activity she can find. But soon she discovers that being president of the Sea Musketeers club, taking swim lessons, and volunteering for the school mural project take up so much of her time that she doesn't have time for homework. On top of feeling overscheduled, she's being told that her friendship with Stanley means she "likes" him and she's worried that her mom's new friend might actually be her mom's date.
Is It Any Good?
This delightful story that emphasizes the importance of speaking up, asking for help, and paying attention to your feelings. Author Angela Dominguez has a nice message about dealing with being overscheduled by taking time away and setting boundaries, which applies to kids and adults alike. The Spanish words sprinkled throughout the story are a lovely acknowledgement of Stella's Mexican heritage and immigrant family, and help young readers see that even when words are different, feelings and relationships are universal.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Stella navigates her commitments in Stella Díaz Dreams Big. How do you react when you feel like there's too much going on? What helps you get control of your schedule again? What isn't helpful?
Why do you think some people say that boys and girls can't be "just friends" as they get older? Does that work for you?
What clubs would you like to see at your school or in your neighborhood?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : For Beginning Readers
- Topics : Activism , STEM , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : January 12, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 9
- Number of pages : 208
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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