Emergency Quarters

An Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor Book

Author Carlos Matias and Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning illustrator Gracey Zhang deliver a stunning picture book based on a finalist in the New York Times Metropolitan Diary "Best of the Year," about a young boy in the city who tries his best to avoid spending his precious quarters on tempting local treats in case of an "emergency." A poignant, playful tale for fans of Matt de La Peña, Antwan Eady, and Jacqueline Woodson.

Ernesto has waited his whoooole life to become a niño grande. A big boy. Now he's finally old enough to walk the six blocks to school without his parents.

Every morning, his mom hands him a shiny new quarter and reminds him they're for emergencies. If Ernesto needs her, she's only a pay phone call away. But each day reveals a tempting new treat to enjoy with his friends: crisp packs of baseball cards, arcade games, hot tamales, and fresh juices! Ernesto has the coins jingling in his pocket, so how will he choose to spend them?

Author: Carlos Matias
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 05/28/2024
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.08lbs
Size: 9.10h x 11.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780063271456

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.5
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 553070 / Emergency Quarters

Award: Ezra Jack Keats Book Award - Honor Book

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/26/2024
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2024
Booklist 05/01/2024 pg. 54
School Library Journal 05/24/2024 pg. 1
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2024 pg. 107
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2024 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Matias, Carlos: -

Carlos Matias is second-generation Dominican born and raised in Queens. He currently resides in the Bronx, and he received a master's in branding + integrated communications with a copywriting concentration from City College of New York. His writing has been featured in the New York Times, Taste, Bon Appétit, and Edible Bronx. Emergency Quarters is his first picture book.

Zhang, Gracey: -

Gracey Zhang is an illustrator, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She received her BA in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design and now resides in Brooklyn, New York. She is the writer and illustrator of Lala's Words. She spends most of her time among scattered papers and ink pots, and when she's not at her desk, you can find her looking out train windows, watching and listening.