I’ve tried writing this review so many times now but there are just not enough words to express how much I loved this book and how important it is that books like these exist. 

Iveliz Explains It All is Andrea Beatriz Arango’s debut and follows our title character, Iveliz as she navigates middle school, her mental health, and finding her voice to get the help she deserves. Written in verse, this novel allows us to be directly in Ive’s head as she writes all her thoughts down as poetry in and for her journal, and it is truly an emotional journey. 

The mental health and therapy rep in this book is done in such a mindful way. While also commenting on the stigma of mental health and medication that is present in many latine households. 

The writing is truly so honest and raw, that I found myself crying so much for Iveliz while reading and well after I was done. 

It is safe to say that this book and Iveliz will stick with me forever.

cw: depression, PTSD, grief, car accident, death of a parent, Alzheimer's, panic attacks, bullying, self-harm and suicidal thoughts

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.