Allie, First At Last

No better feeling exists in the world than stepping to the top of a winner’s podium and hoisting a trophy high in the air. At least, that’s what Allie Velasco thinks . . . she’s never actually won anything before. Everyone in her family is special in some way — her younger sister is a rising TV star; her brother is a soccer prodigy; her great-grandfather is a WWII Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

With a family like this, Allie knows she has to make her mark or risk being left behind. She’s determined to add a shiny medal, blue ribbon, or beautiful trophy to her family’s award shelf. When a prestigious school contest is announced, Allie has the perfect opportunity to take first — at last. There’s just one small snag . . . her biggest competition is also her ex-best friend, Sara. Can Allie take top prize and win back a friend — or is she destined to lose it all? Full of Mexican American heritage, this novel is a classroom favorite!

Reviews

“A sweet middle-grade read that promotes compassion and empathy over competitiveness.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Laced with Mexican-American language and culture, this realistic drama is filled with gentle humor, big lessons, and even bigger heart.”
—Publishers Weekly

Book Awards

• International Latino Book Award Nominee for Best Youth Chapter Fiction Novel (2016)
• Florida’s Sunshine State Young Readers Award Nominee; Grades 3rd-5th (2017-2018)
• South Carolina Book Award Nominee (2018-2019)