“A heartfelt story full of great characters that will encourage readers to keep trying.” — School Library Journal Rica Baptista wants—no, needs— a pet. A llama, a kinkajou, or maybe an iguana? She even has a name picked out: Frederica, her own name, after her Cape Verdean great-great-grandfather. But Rica’s parents say no right away. The worst part is that Rica can’t tell anyone the real reason she wants a pet—she secretly overheard that her best friend, Laini, is moving away, and Rica worries about being left behind. Rica and Laini make lists of the benefits of having a pet, and they try all sorts of schemes to raise money to afford one, from party planning to holding a yard sale to entering a poetry contest. But in the end, it might be an act of unselfish kindness and courage that shows that Rica is ready to take on the pet of her dreams. In a rich and amusing story that will appeal to fans of Judy Moody and Ivy and Bean, a sincere and creative protagonist navigates relationships from funny to frustrating, endearing to insightful. In this engaging and fast-paced narrative, Rica proves herself a smart protagonist with a big heart and great sense of humor. As she goes through her schemes, she offers lessons in responsibility. . . A satisfying story of friendship and kindness. —Kirkus Reviews Bates paints a vivid picture of Rica's family, folding in plenty of details of their Cape Verde heritage. . . . This heartening and optimistic chapter book emphasizes resourcefulness and resilience in the face of worry, themes sure to resonate with elementary-schoolers, and a final sweet twist is the perfect rosy note to end on. —Booklist The breezy chapter book, peppered with cartoon-style illustrations, is a fresh look at evergreen themes. . . . Rica’s first-person narration is convincing and endearing. —The Horn Book This humorous and thoughtful book introduces a charismatic and clever heroine. . . Black-and-white illustrations complement the sweet plot and are sure to leave readers wishing for another chance to visit Rica’s world. . . . A heartfelt story full of great characters that will encourage readers to keep trying, this is a wonderful addition to fiction collections for children. —School Library Journal Oh, garbanzo beans! You’ll be sorry if you wait to meet big-hearted Rica, who discovers the joy of family, friendship, pets, and the power of finding her own voice. —Megan McDonald, New York Times best-selling author of the Judy Moody series Rica is a welcome addition to the chapter book scene—she’s funny, determined, and kind. Readers will be rooting for Rica as she goes after her dream of getting a pet. I crown Rica Baptista the Queen of Trying! —Debbi Michiko Florence, award-winning author of the Jasmine Toguchi series Janet Costa Bates is the author of Time for Bed, Old House, illustrated by AG Ford. Her grandparents, like Rica’s ancestors, immigrated from Cape Verde. If she could have any pet, she would choose a beagle. Or maybe a giraffe. Janet Costa Bates lives in Massachusetts. Gladys Jose is the illustrator of several books for young readers. She lives in Florida with her husband and daughter. ONE One Small Thing One small thing. I was only asking for one small thing. A pet.    I didn’t even care what kind. A llama. An iguana. A potbellied pig. Actually, a baby pygmy goat would probably make me the most popular kid in the entire town. Not that I wanted to be the most popular kid, since I wouldn’t like being noticed that much. I just wanted to know that I could be the most popular kid—you know, if I wanted to.    The real reason I wanted a pet had nothing to do with being popular, but I couldn’t tell anyone since I wasn’t supposed to know.    “Any ideas for pet names yet?” asked Laini, making a free throw in my driveway without even trying. Laini Shanahan is my very best friend. Actually, she’s my only best friend, but if I had more than one best friend, she would still be my very best.    “Maybe Frederica,” I answered.    “Uh, I’m pretty sure that’s your name,” said Laini.    “Yeah, but everybody calls me Rica,” I said. “I could say to all the world, ‘I, Frederica Baptista, hereby bestow the name Frederica onto my pet pygmy goat or maybe a baby chimp—I don’t know yet—but, whatever, I, myself, will hereby forth forever be known as just Rica.’”    “What did your mom say about a pet?” asked Laini.    “She said no almost faster than her mouth could open,” I answered. My shot hit the back-board and bounced off.    “What about your dad?” asked Laini as she caught the basketball and passed it back to me.    “He said no as quickly as my mother did. If I’d asked them together, they would have said no in perfect harmony.” I dribbled the basketball a few times and then passed it back to Laini.    “Maybe they will change their minds,” said Laini as she tried to make a backward free throw. She missed, but that didn’t stop her from trying again.    “Are you kidding? When I asked again—because