° Understanding the impact of one's actions, with a lesson in ethics, accountability and personal responsibility;

° Empathy and a deeper understanding of mental health issues and their impact on families;

° Self discovery and personal growth, with the main characters learning a lot about herself, (her) boundaries, and one's limitations.

° Education as a tool for change, as the book in and of itself, its existence and purpose imply the belief that education and awareness can lead to positive change in how Black individuals are perceived and treated;

° Commitment to be a better person, as the text emphasizes the active role required in the fight against racism and encourages a deeper level of involvement and responsibility, moving away from passive support to actively engaging in actions that contribute to systemic change.

° Early education on antiracism, as the text introduces the concept of antiracism to young children and shows that there is value in starting conversations about racial equity and justice at an early age to build a foundation for future understanding;

° Interactive engagement with the new concept of antiracism, since the book presents engagement in the concepts of racism and antiracism in a way that invites children to participate and fosters critical thinking.

° Leadership and teamwork, as the novel provides insights into the challenges and rewards of taking on leadership roles, especially when working with diverse individuals. Whit's collaboration with Zay, her middle school ex boyfriend, highlights the potential for personal growth and positive connections through shared goals and responsibilities.

° Managing a variety of relationships and their complexities, as demonstrated by Whit's decision to keep her health issues hidden from her friends, even when she reconnects with them after the summer. The story showcases a learning experience about the importance of open and honest communication, especially during challenging times and the significance of supportive relationships and strong friendships in navigating difficulties.

1. "(...) this feeling of being two in one, a snake required at regular intervals to slide back into a dry and raspy skin (...)" (p.84);

2. " (...) when you make this place your home, you are immediately orphaned. You lose people. (...) This country takes things from you. It wants to know how bad you want to stay here." (p. 240);

3. "To have families in two countries is to have a part of yourself missing." (p.249).

The book popped up as a recommendation after I purchased The Fall of Whit Rivera, by Crystal Maldonado and I did not hesitate to purchase it. Despite tearing up at nearly each story, this is the book I'd take to a desert island.

° Belonging and duality, particularly in the context of individuals who find themselves caught between two worlds. The book delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of feeling connected to multiple places, speaking multiple languages and being afraid to be "othered". This can serve as a learning point for readers to appreciate the intricate nature of identity for those with immigration experiences.

° Diverse perspectives on immigration, as there is no single experience of being an immigrant. This variety of narratives allows for a richer understanding of the complexities and nuances associated with leaving one's birth or origin country behind, fostering empathy and awareness.

° Resilience and strength, which is found in the individuals undergoing the immigration experience. It encourages readers to see beyond the challenges and focus on the overarching theme of finding home, emphasizing the human capacity to adapt and build meaningful connections in new environments.

° Vulnerability and taking risks, as the story emphasizes the courage and selflessness required to address societal issues and help others. It highlights the idea that meaningful change often involves stepping outside one's comfort zone and being vulnerable for the greater good.

° Media perception: the students, initially questioned as if they were in trouble, end up being portrayed as heroes by the journalist and seen as such by the principal. This can prompt readers to consider the impact of media narratives on public perception, emphasizing the potential for positive change in how marginalized communities are portrayed.

° Demonstrating the many faces and levels of bilingualism, as some of the text is written in both English and Spanish, and the characters are all on a different part of the Spanish-speaking spectrum. Readers can start debunking stereotypes and see that one can consider oneself an immigrant but not be proficient in their family's language, or really struggle in English but be extremely smart and quick witted, and so on.

° Diversity in perspectives around food and body concerns: the compilation of interviews encompasses a variety of perspectives, including those of parents, children, doctors, dietitians, therapists, and researchers in the fields of obesity and eating disorders. This provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges faced by individuals.

° Good intentions can have unintended consequences, as the text highlights instances where actions driven by good (parental) intentions lead to unintended and often detrimental impacts. This reinforces the complexity of navigating issues related to food, body image, and parenting. It encourages readers to consider the potential consequences of their actions and decisions, even when well-intentioned.

° Historical understanding via personal narratives: the family tree becomes a window into the history of her ancestors. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of history, moving beyond something that is abstract to the lived experiences of people. It allows readers to feel the events with the book's characters rather than merely reading about facts.

° While the book is marketed to younger readers, it has tremendous potential to explore symbolism with older students: readers can delve into the significance of the phrase "born on the water", fostering a deeper understanding of the profound challenges and complexities associated with the legacy of slavery.

° Representation: the characters in the book reflect diverse backgrounds, including a queer romance, one character's struggle with gender expectations, and two others navigating their Choctaw and Black identities. This fosters an understanding of how various aspects of a person's identity intersect and shape their experiences.

° Social commentary on government control, since the government's attempt to regulate the characters' magical abilities showcases oppression. This provides an opportunity for readers to discuss themes of autonomy, resistance against unjust authority, and the consequences of fighting back against oppressive systems.

° Embracing differences: Macy's story presents a spectrum of reactions from others; some view her as too different to belong, while others see her differences as a positive force. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes toward diversity. It promotes the idea that diversity can be a strength and an opportunity for learning and growth.

° Positive impact of diverse perspectives: the book showcases the positive impact that individuals, even those who may be perceived as different, can have on others. It encourages readers to see beyond surface differences and appreciate the unique strengths that each person brings to a community.

° Exploring aromantic and asexual identities: the narrative sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals who fall outside conventional romantic and sexual orientations. This contributes to a broader understanding of diverse LGBTQ+ experiences.

° Family dynamics and gender challenges: the inclusion of Maia Kobabe's parents and sister as prominent characters in the book offers a more holistic view of the implications of gender challenges on a family unit. Readers can gain insights into how family norms can be influenced and challenged by an individual's journey of self-discovery.

° Impact of limited representation, as Maia Kobabe's struggles are exacerbated by a lack of role models and information related to aromanticism and asexuality. The graphic novel emphasizes the importance of representation in media and education, highlighting how the absence of adequate information can contribute to the challenges faced by individuals in understanding and accepting their own identities.