LOLA
Pub date: Sept. 10, 2024
Publisher: Knopf/PRH
Illustrator: Islenia Mil
ISBN-13: 978 05931 77006
Winner of the 2025 Pura Belpré award and a Kirkus Book of the Year. Lola is 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.
Ten-year-old Lola’s life has always been touched by magic. Her Mexico City home is built around a towering tree with seasonal blooms that seem almost enchanted, a backyard sandbox reveals the most unusual treasures, and mischievous chaneques scuttle about her house unseen by all but her. Lola has always thought of this kind of magic as an ordinary part of her life, but now she must embrace its extraordinary quality as never before.
Ever since The Thing That Happened, Lola’s brother, Alex, has been sick. Lately, however, his condition seems to be getting worse. At the same time, something has begun eating away at the tree, causing its bright leaves and colorful blossoms to crumble like ash. Lola is sure the two events are related, but how? Seeking a cure, she visits a grocery store oracle who tells her to follow the chaneques down one of their secret passages . . . into a hidden kingdom.
Floresta is a land of myths and monsters and marvels untold. And there lies the key to healing Alex. But to save him, Lola must use every bit of her wits and face her deepest fears as she uncovers the devastating truth that lies at the heart of this story.
“A quest undertaken for love and healing, replete alike with astonishing marvels and provocative themes. Frequent glimpses of wondrous sights and folkloric creatures give the tale a flavor of magical realism, and on the way to a transformative closing twist, Valenti’s characters reflect on the importance of letting some things go in order to allow others to grow, offering much food for thought for readers who are similarly stuck.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“With the story set in Mexico City, readers can feel the vibrance of Mexican culture coming off the pages. Between the descriptions of the magical world, as well as the artwork throughout, readers will be taken on the adventure right alongside Lola. Each character is complex and adds their own light to the story. Readers will be lining up to get this book. A must-read for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans.”
– School Library Journal
“The terrifically transporting tale is brimming with lush descriptions, intriguing Mexican folklore, creative world building, and compassionate characters. Thoughtful discussions of depression, grief, and the inevitability of change are particularly appreciated, and the tender sibling relationship grounds the fantastical proceedings beautifully. A risky last-minute reveal pays off and adds additional depth to an already stellar story. A truly enchanting adventure that both enthralls and entertains.”
– Booklist
“The lively, folkloric tone easily builds the world of Floresta with joy and wonder, making the more expository parts of the setup engaging and dynamic. The fantasy here is vividly imagined, but the story itself is ultimately real, painful, and achingly beautiful.”
– The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
“Valenti skillfully incorporates magical realism into this captivating tale, taking the reader on a memorable journey through a different world. She addresses the weighty topic of death in a hopeful manner, encouraging readers to view death as a new phase, a transformation, rather than an end. The strong bonds between siblings are central to this heartwarming story, and love perseveres.”
– Hornbook
“An enchanting quest filled with beauty and heartache. Lola’s story will immerse you in an unimaginable world and explore the depths of undying love.”
— Donna Barba Higuera, Newberry Medalist author of The Last Cuentista and Alebrijes
“I never wanted to leave the lush and vibrant magical world of Lola, so full of surprises and delights. Karla Arenas Valenti has crafted a gorgeous tale, full of grace and hope.”
— Anne Ursu, National Book Award nominee and author of Not Quite a Ghost and Breadcrumbs
Educational Resources:
- DISCUSSION GUIDE – download discussion questions to help you explore and analyze the text more deeply. Help students meet several Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
School Visits
- I am currently scheduling school visits. Follow the link to learn about what you can expect and how to book a visit.
