Tía Lola has been invited to teach Spanish at her niece and nephew’s elementary school. But Miguel wants nothing to do with the arrangement. He hasn’t had an easy time adjusting to his new school in Vermont and doesn’t like living so far away from Papi, who has a new girlfriend and an announcement to make. On the other hand, Miguel’s little sister, Juanita, can’t wait to introduce her colorfully dressed aunt with her migrating beauty mark to all her friends at school—that is, if she can stop getting distracted long enough to remember to do so. Before long, Tía Lola is organizing a Spanish treasure hunt and a Carnaval fiesta at school. Will Miguel be willing to join the fun? Will Juanita get her head out of the clouds and lead her classmates to victory in the treasure hunt?
Told with abundant humor and heart, Julia Alvarez’s new Tía Lola story is the long-awaited sequel to the beloved How Tía Lola Came to Visit Stay.
Read More
From the Publisher
A welcome return for a wonderful character whose heart encompasses the whole world.” —School Library Journal
“Alvarez invites everybody-no matter their background-into this welcoming family and community.” —The Horn Book
Children's Literature - Traci Avalos
Tia Lola is new to the United States and does not have many friends yet, but Miguel and Juanita will save the day! They have a plan to get their aunt to take a job at their school teaching the students Spanish. Tia Lola is nervous because she does not have much experience in school. Will she be able to learn how to be a good teacher? This book is set up in ten chapters, each beginning with a moral in Spanish translated into English. Each chapter takes the perspective of one character, who must learn the chapter's lesson from their own life experiences. This book illustrates important topics like divorce, family, cultural values, heritage, growing up, and differences. All are shown through Tia Lola's experiences in getting over her fears of inadequacy and learning to teach. Students will empathize with the two children who have to deal with issues such as being different, divorce and remarriage, and becoming more responsible; and it is a good illustration that adults have fears as well. It is an excellent choice for teaching young children about the literary concept of morality, or to illustrate the thematic concepts of cultural values and differences. It is written in English with some Spanish words translated through context or directly in the story. Reviewer: Traci Avalos
School Library Journal
Gr 3–6—This sequel to How Tía Lola Came to Visit/Stay (Knopf, 2001) continues the story of the Guzman family: 8-year-old Juanita, 10-year-old Miguel, and irrepressible Tía Lola. The new school year has begun and the children's aunt has been invited to teach Spanish a few days a week, a prospect that first alarms her since she never finished school when she was growing up in the Dominican Republic. But the woman is a born teacher, full of life, enthusiasm, and a wise saying for every situation. Lola quickly finds herself a favorite at school, charming all with her stories and personality, organizing parties and treasure hunts, and involving everyone in their small Vermont town in her plans. Along the way, she also helps Miguel and Juanita adjust to their parents' divorce, the separation from their father, who lives in New York City, and a possible new stepmother. When the residents of the town learn that Lola's immigration status is in jeopardy, they rally behind her to convince the judge the entire town needs their "Tía." Each chapter begins with one of Lola's maxims to set the stage, and Spanish words and phrases are clearly used throughout. A welcome return for a wonderful character whose heart encompasses the whole world.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA
Kirkus Reviews
In this sequel to How Tía Lola Came to (Visit) Stay (2001), the luminous Tía Lola reluctantly accepts an invitation to teach Spanish as a volunteer at her nephew and niece's elementary school. One year has passed since Tía Lola arrived in Vermont from the Caribbean. Miguel is in fifth grade, and he wants nothing but to start middle school. Juanita is in third grade and has her own troubles. Will they be happy having their own inimitable aunt teaching at their school? Using the charming voice of a third-person narrator and heading—and spicing up—each chapter with popular Spanish sayings, Alvarez creates a humorous and joyful story that can be read independently of the first Tía Lola story but that will leave readers eager for more of them. Within the tale, the author subtly touches on subjects that are relevant to the Latino population, such as immigration and bilingualism. An enjoyable read, not only for the amusing methods that Tía Lola uses to teach Spanish but for the sense of community and tolerance that breathes through her tale. (Fiction. 8-12)
Read More
