REVIEWS+

How Tia Lola Learned to Teach

by Julia Alvarez
135p. 978-0-37586-460-5.
COPY ISBN
This warm-hearted sequel to How Tía Lola Came to Stay is proof of the adage that graces chapter two: "Buenas razones cautivan los cora-zones / 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 Tía 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 Tía Lola be deported? Will Miguel get to a Knicks game? Will Rudy's Amigos Café 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
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
In this warm-hearted sequel to How Tía Lola Came to Visit Stay, Miguel and Juanita are adjusting to life in small-town Vermont without their father. Meanwhile, the principal asks Tía 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.
Julia Alvarez integrates Spanish throughout the story in a natural way, incorporating meanings without interrupting the flow of the narrative. Chapters each begin with a fun, plot-related saying (”The sleeping shrimp is carried away by the current,” for example), in Spanish and English. The sayings are gentle lessons for Tía Lola’s niece and nephew—and for the reader. The warm story features caring family and friend relationships as well as a sense of community and belonging. Tía Lola teaches Spanish at school and organizes a huge Carnaval party. At a local restaurant, she helps host a weekly Spanish night, with food and dancing. The community, in return, rallies around Tía Lola when her visitor’s visa expires, and it seems she will have to leave the country. Readers will recognize and/or identify with some of Miguel and Juanita’s feelings and experiences. At school, fifth-grader Miguel wants to fit in. Meanwhile, Juanita, in third grade, has a hard time paying attention in class. At home, their parents have recently divorced, and their papi is getting remarried. Miguel gradually comes to accept—and appreciate—that Carmen will be a permanent part of their family.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?