The Other Half of Happy is a heartfelt, poetic portrayal of a girl growing up, fitting in, and learning what it means to belong. In the course of this immersive and beautifully written novel, Quijana must figure out which parts of herself are most important, and which pieces come together to make her whole.

The cover’s vivid exuberance reflects Quijana’s tenacity as it ties in visual themes from the novel. Each piece of the cover illustration is embossed with a matte finish to give the feeling of a cut paper collage.

Credits

Role: Art Director & Designer
Author: Rebecca Balcárcel
Illustrator: Nadia Hernández
Editor: Taylor Norman
Publisher: Chronicle Books

Awards

Pura Belpré Honor Book  
A Junior Library Guild Selection  
ALSC Notable Children’s Book   
Jean Flynn Award for Best Middle Grade Book
Spirit of Texas Reading Program Recommended Title