How Tía Lola Learned to Teach

by Julia Alvarez Narrated by Michelle Gonzalez

Overview

Tía Lola has been invited to teach Spanish at her niece and nephew's elementary school. But Miguel wants nothing to do with the arrangement. On the other hand, Miguel's little sister, Juanita, can't wait to introduce her colorfully dressed aunt to all her friends at school-that is, if she can stop getting distracted long enough. Before long, Tía Lola is organizing a Spanish treasure hunt and a Carnaval fiesta at school. Will Miguel be willing to join the fun? Will Juanita get her head out of the clouds and lead her classmates to victory in the treasure hunt?

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A welcome return for a wonderful character whose heart encompasses the whole world.” —School Library Journal

“Alvarez invites everybody-no matter their background-into this welcoming family and community.” —The Horn Book

Kirkus Reviews

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)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169377668
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	10/12/2010
Series:	Tía Lola Stories , #2
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

Read an Excerpt

Buenas razones cautivan los corazones  
Good intentions win hearts    

"Mami, why is Tia Lola so scared to be a teacher?" Juanita wants to know. Mami is tucking her into bed. Juanita has been pleading for five more minutes so she can read another chapter in her book. But Mami has ruled that Monday through Thursday, lights must be out promptly by eight p.m. Otherwise, Juanita is too tired to pay attention the next day in class.  

Mami sighs. "I think Tia Lola doesn't feel confident because she never went past fourth grade."  

"I haven't gone past fourth grade either," Juanita reminds her.  

"I know, Juanita." Mami smiles fondly at her daughter. "But you're only eight. And Tia Lola, well, she's past fifty. She thinks she's not smart enough to teach the kids at your school."  

"But that's ridiculous, Mami!" Juanita says importantly. It feels so grown-up to be able to pronounce something ridiculous. "Tia Lola knows so much. All these stories and songs and sayings. And she knows how to cook and make friends and . . ." Juanita runs out of breath before she has run out of things Tia Lola knows how to do.  

"Would you do me a favor, Nita bonita?" Her mami always calls Juanita by her nickname and then adds the Spanish word for "pretty" when she is asking for something that will take extra effort. "Could you tell your tia Lola what you just told me? Tell her you'd love for her to come to your school. That it'll be just like taking care of you and Miguel, except that you'll have a few friends along. . . ."  

"Like seventy-four—sorry, seventy-six, counting Nita and me." Miguel is at the door. He must have overheard Mami discussing Mrs. Stevens's invitation.  

Mami looks at Miguel in that careful way, trying to figure out what he is feeling. She works at the college, counseling students who feel confused or troubled. Except Miguel isn't confused or troubled. He just thinks that adults should go to work somewhere besides where their kids go to school.  

"Do you not want Tia Lola to volunteer at Bridgeport?" Mami asks carefully.  

Miguel squirms. He's not sure he wants Tia Lola at his school every single day. But his mother is looking disappointed. "How about if Tia Lola just comes sometimes?" Miguel suggests.  

"You know, Miguel Angel Guzman, you might just have hit on a brilliant idea!"  

Miguel blinks in disbelief. "I have?"  

"He has?" Juanita echoes.  

Mami nods, ignoring the sparks flying between brother and sister. "I think it'll be less scary for Tia Lola to start by volunteering once a week, say. She can think of it as just visiting, not teaching. Then, once she gets used to it, she can go more often."

Videos