How Tia Lola Learned To Teach (Tia Lola Stories Book 2)

In this warm and wonderful second book of the Tía Lola Stories, Tía Lola proves yet again that she is a force to be reckoned with. The first of her tales, How Tía Lola Came to Stay, shows her journey from the Dominican Republic to help raise her newly divorced niece’s children, Miguel and Juanita, and this charming sequel picks right up at the beginning of a new school year. Though Tía Lola has only a fourth grade education and limited English under her belt, she has been asked to teach Spanish to the children at Miguel and Juanita’s school. Will she be able to fit in and keep her spirited young relatives from being embarrassed by her strange colorful clothes and funny sayings? As Tía Lola would say, con pacienca y con calma, se subió un burro en una palma (with patience and calm, even a donkey can climb a palm).

Soon enough, her enthusiasm and splendid imagination win over the whole community, who rejoice in her treasure hunts and piñatas and Carnaval fiestas. Along the way, Tía Lola has enough wisdom and patience to spend on Miguel and Juanita, who are still coping with their parents’ divorce and the prospect of their Papi remarrying. Worse yet—a letter from the immigration office has arrived for their aunt. Now that she is so tightly sown into the fabric of their small community, will Tía Lola have to go back to the Dominican Republic? This multicultural tale of family, friendship, and community is sure to delight middle readers, especially those who are interested in learning about Hispanic customs and language. 144 pages.

Recommended by Molly Crumbley, Librarian.