November 1, 2010
Gr 3-6-This sequel to How Tia Lola Came to Visit/Stay (Knopf, 2001) continues the story of the Guzman family: 8-year-old Juanita, 10-year-old Miguel, and irrepressible Tia 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 "Tia." 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
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 1, 2010
Grades 4-7 Just as warm and upbeat as How T-a Lola Came to (Visit) Stay (2001), the second book about Miguel and Juanitas aunt, who comes from the Dominican Republic to live with the kids family in Vermont, is written in the same lively, playful style. Language is a central focus as T-a Lola volunteers to teach Spanish in the local elementary school. The story builds to a tense climax when her visa is about to expire, and the whole town rallies for her to stay. Readers will enjoy both the messages and the humor in T-as wry, wise sayings.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2011
In this warm-hearted sequel to How Tma Lola Came to Visit Stay, Miguel and Juanita are adjusting to life in small-town Vermont without their father. Meanwhile, the principal asks Tma Lola to teach Spanish at school. With easy-to-understand Spanish phrases sprinkled throughout the text and Dominican adages heading each chapter, Alvarez invites everybody into this welcoming family and community.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
January 1, 2011
This warm-hearted sequel to How Tia Lola Came to Visit Stay is proof of the adage that graces chapter two: 'Buenas razones cautivan los corazones / Good intentions win hearts.' Miguel and his little sister Juanita are adjusting to life in small-town Bridgeport, Vermont, even though they miss their Papi, who lives in New York. Papi has a new girlfriend, and Miguel is worried about how serious they are getting. Juanita is worried about how distracted she is in school. When the principal asks Tia Lola to teach a little Spanish to the children, her confidence initially flags, but the family comes up with a plan to entice her into the classroom, to the benefit of all. With easy-to-understand Spanish phrases sprinkled throughout the text and Dominican adages heading each chapter, Alvarez invites everybody -- no matter their background -- into this welcoming family and community. Several subplots enrich the story. Will Papi marry his new girlfriend? Will Tia Lola be deported? Will Miguel get to a Knicks game? Will Rudy's Amigos Cafe make enough money? Though this installment certainly stands alone, readers who missed the first book will want to read more -- and teachers will want to share this one with their students. ROBIN L. SMITH
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)