Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina
By Monica Brown
The Story
A biracial girl with red hair and brown skin mixes polka dots with stripes and eats peanut butter and jelly burritos, refusing to pick just one side of who she is.
Why It's Special
For the kid who mismatches their socks on purpose and gets asked why — Marisol McDonald is proof that not matching is its own kind of matching.
- Big idea: Identity doesn't have to add up neatly — being made of different pieces is whole, not confusing.
- Vibes: Bright, bilingual, and unapologetically herself.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on embracing what makes them different
- enjoy bold, playful mixed-media art
- like stories that mix English and Spanish
- respond well to seeing biracial families reflected in books
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & identity: Why do you think Marisol likes polka dots and stripes together instead of picking just one?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Marisol felt when people told her she needed to match?
- Real-life connection: What are some of your favorite 'mismatched' combinations, like Marisol's peanut butter and jelly burritos?
- Heritage & family: What are some things from your family's culture that make you feel proud, like Marisol's Peruvian and Scottish heritage?
- Imagination: If you were mismatched like Marisol, what colors or foods would you put together?
