The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First Seasons

By: Eric Carle

Narrated by: Kevin R. Free

The Pura Belpré Honor Award winning author of Aniana del Mar Jumps In makes her YA debut with a powerful novel-in-verse about a Texas teen who is battling racism in her theatre program and book banning efforts by her town’s school board.

Yulieta Lopez is angry. Angry at her racist drama teacher who refuses to cast Black students in lead roles. Angry at the school board threatening her favorite teacher for teaching works of literature that they deem “controversial.” Angry that she has to keep quiet until she can head to college and leave Texas forever.

Yuli is accustomed to playing various roles: the diligent daughter, the honorable hija, the good girl who serves everyone else before serving herself. But as the fire of Yuli's rage spreads and lights her up, she can no longer be silent. Determined to find a way to fight back, Yuli and her friends start a guerilla theatre club which stirs things up and gets people talking, and finally, Yuli steps into the role she was always meant to play.

Critic reviews

★ "A powerful love letter to finding and using your voice, this story will resonate deeply with those who struggle to feel seen and nurtured, particularly young women of color... A compelling drama with a firecracker protagonist that stuns with its strikingly beautiful writing." —Kirkus, starred review

★ "The perfect read for teens who are being impacted by book banning and other sociopolitical changes." —Booklist, starred review

"Mendez's poetry flows effortlessly, fully realizing Yuli's struggles and joy...A must-have for all YA collections." —School Library Journal

"This poignant novel...marries verse poems with playwriting in a narrative that centers timely questions about banned books and free speech. Passionate text that braids together Spanish and English deftly depicts Yuli’s journey from an aspiring actor in the wings of the real world to the fearless “leading lady” of her own life." —Publishers Weekly

“Both timely and disheartening in its realism, the book ends with a hopeful note about the significance of unheard stories that need to be told.” —BCCB