Merci Suárez Plays It Cool (Candlewick, Sept. 13) is the hotly anticipated, heartwarming conclusion to Meg Medina’s award-winning Merci Suárez series. Readers first fell in love with the bold, brainy Florida sixth grader and her close-knit Cuban American family in Merci Suárez Changes Gears. Now entering eighth grade at Seward Pines Academy, Merci must contend with shifting friendships, first love, and profound loss. Medina answered our questions by email.

Kirkus calls Merci Suárez Plays It Cool “a fabulous finale to a memorable trilogy.” What were you interested in exploring from Merci’s perspective this time around?

For the third book, I wanted to continue exploring the many faces of friendship as we grow up. Friends feel so important to our sense of self when we’re Merci’s age. But what makes a good friend? Are there different kinds of friends? How can we be friends with people from divergent groups? 

I also used Merci Suárez Plays It Cool to drill down into grief and loss when we’re young. It was a tough topic, but I wrote it with an eye to how our friends at school, our trusted school adults, and our families can help us survive it.

What have been the pleasures and/or challenges of writing this unforgettable character over the course of three books?

The greatest pleasure has been drawing Merci and her family as they evolved and faced difficult circumstances together. The trick, of course, has been in showing Merci’s growth in maturity and perspective while still keeping the story squarely in the middle-grade space. The other challenge was making sure that the third book could not only stand on its own, but also land the many storylines from earlier books. Not everything ends well, of course, but I hope her middle school years end in a way that is realistic and satisfying to readers.

Would you ever consider expanding the series?

For now, the story feels complete, although it’s never wise to say never, especially with a big cast like the one in “the Merciverse.” The pesky twins, Axel and Tomás, would make a wonderful duo for a chapter-book series. (Can you imagine what their poor teachers would be put through?) At the other end of the spectrum, we have Roli, Merci’s “genius” older brother. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t wondered about what has been going on for him at college and otherwise. He is such a pensive character, so brilliant and so duty-bound. I’d love to be inside his mind for a while.

What project(s) are you working on now?

I’m working on a chapter book about Pura Belpré, and I’m writing a middle-grade fantasy set in the deep ocean. The worldbuilding and research on that one has been fascinating!  

What fall release(s) are you most looking forward to reading?

One that just pubbed is Tumble by Celia C. Pérez [Kokila, Aug. 6]. I’m also eyeing the galley for Undercover Latina by Aya de León [Candlewick Press, Oct. 11].

What kind of reader are you: digital or physical books? Audio or print? All of the above?

I’m an old-school, ravenous reader: physical books and print. Books take up too much room in my house, but I love the whole tactile experience. That said, I do think that audiobooks are an asset when you’re taking long walks or drives.

Megan Labrise is the editor at large and host of Kirkus’ Fully Booked podcast.