Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away

Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend, her “mejor amiga.” Today, Evelyn and Daniela play just like any other day. The two girls live across the street from each other in nearly identical apartments. Except Evelyn’s bedroom walls are painted sunny yellow, and Daniela’s are cotton-candy pink. They are mostly the same, just like Daniela and Evelyn are mostly the same, too. “But not after today.” A moving truck sits in the street filled with Evelyn’s stuff. Today, Evelyn Del Rey is moving away.

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away, written by Med Medina and illustrated by Sonia Sánchez, is an achingly beautiful story about losing a best friend and feeling left behind. The girls have one last day to play and bond before one of them drives away, and the story’s tension is palpable. Sonia Sánchez’s colorful illustrations effectively capture the girls’ energy as they run through the apartment. Her images enhance the emotions in each scene, especially the quiet way the girls say goodbye to each other.