Lola

by Karla Arenas Valenti (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

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 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.

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.99

Kirkus

Starred Review

A quest undertaken for love and healing, replete alike with astonishing marvels and provocative themes.

Review quotes

"An enchanting journey of beauty and heartbreak. Lola's story will immerse you in an unimaginable world, filled with undying love." —DONNA BARBA HIGUERA, NEWBERY MEDALIST FOR THE LAST CUENTISTA

"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, AUTHOR OF NOT QUITE A GHOST AND THE REAL BOY

"A modern folktale filled with imagination, adventure, and love. Valenti weaves a vibrant, dreamlike tale exploring loss and letting go." —ADRIANNA CUEVAS, PURA BELPRÉ HONOREE FOR THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF NESTOR LOPEZ

"A beautifully crafted story full of adventure, magic, love, and heartache. This is a book to be treasured." —CHRISTINA DIAZ GONZALEZ, EDGAR AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF CONCEALED

Karla Arenas Valenti
Karla Arenas Valenti is the author of many books for children of all ages. She grew up in Mexico City in a house that was built around a tree and surrounded by magic (which has stayed with her long into her adult years). Her storytelling is seeded in Mexican culture and lore, and often deals in explorations of philosophical and identity-based themes (inspiring the mind) while also taking readers on riveting magical realist adventures (inspiring the heart). She currently resides in the Chicagoland area.

Dana Sanmar is a Colombian illustrator and graphic designer currently established in Atlanta, USA. Her love for illustration started from a early age due to her parents' love for books. And her early exposure to arts and crafts by her mother nourished her love for creating things by hand, while her dad showed her how to work with different materials and the importance of being resourceful. Following these influences, she got a B.F.A in Graphic Design in her home country. She recently graduated from her M.F.A in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design and currently works a a freelance Illustrator.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593177006
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date
September 10, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
JUV012070 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | Caribbean & Latin American
Library of Congress categories
Mexico
Magic
Psychic trauma
Siblings
Novels
Magic realist fiction
Mexico City (Mexico)
Mexican mythology

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