HOW TÍA LOLA LEARNED TO TEACH

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)