Lola

LolaA simmering tale of magic, adventure, and the extraordinary bond between a brother and sister who'd journey to the ends of the Earth to save each other. From the acclaimed author of Lotera comes a heartfelt story rooted in Mexican magical realism. A PURA BELPR AUTHOR WINNER A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Ten year old Lola has always been touched by magic. In her Mexico City home, built around a towering tree, she is accustomed to enchanted

A simmering tale of magic, adventure, and the extraordinary bond between a brother and sister who'd journey to the ends of the Earth to save each other. From the acclaimed author of Lotería comes a heartfelt story rooted in Mexican magical realism.

A PURA BELPRÉ AUTHOR WINNER - A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Ten-year-old Lola has always been touched by magic. In her Mexico City home, built around a towering tree, she is accustomed to enchanted blooms that change with the seasons, a sandbox that spits out mysterious treasures, and mischievous chaneques that scuttle about unseen by all but her. Magic has always been a part of her life, but now she must embrace the extraordinary as never before.

Ever since The Thing That Happened, Lola's brother Alex has been sick. As his condition worsens, something begins eating away at the tree, causing its leaves and blossoms to crumble like ash. The two are related, Lola is sure of it, but how? Seeking a cure, she visits a grocery store oracle who bids her to follow the chaneques down one of their secret passages... into a hidden world.

Here in Floresta, a land of myths and monsters and marvels untold, lies the key to healing her brother. But the kingdom's young queen stands in the way. Lola must use her wits and face her deepest fears if there's any hope of saving Alex in time.

Author: Karla Arenas Valenti
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: 09/10/2024
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.80w x 1.50d
ISBN: 9780593177006
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.8
Point Value: 7
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 552978 / Lola


Award: Pura Belpre Award - Winner


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2024
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2024
School Library Journal 11/02/2024 pg. 1
Booklist 12/01/2024 pg. 130
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2025 pg. 93
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2025 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Karla Arenas Valenti is an award-winning author who writes stories for and about kids, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism and philosophical questions. Her storytelling is heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she's picked up in her many travels around the world. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books. Karla received the Pura Belpré author award for her middle grade novel, Lola, and three starred reviews for her debut, Loteria. She has also written several picture books including Esperanza Caramelo: The Star of Nochebuena.