TÍA LOLA STORIES: HOW TÍA LOLA CAME TO (VISIT) STAY AND HOW TÍA LOLA LEARNED TO TEACH

Julia Alvarez’s books are the complete package. She describes the breadth of experience of a Hispanic family in a new community—new weather, new school, new friends—with all the accompanying awkward and isolating moments. In short order, the complications of separation and divorce are added to the mix. When Tía Lola comes to take care of her niece and nephew after school, her infectious spirit brings warmth and a sense of change for everyone involved. Michelle Gonzalez’s narration is upbeat, and she paces the story briskly. Her voice rings with authenticity as Miguel and Juanita share their discomfort at being outsiders. Listeners will also enjoy the laugh-out-loud moments when Tía Lola greets people with the words she’s read on traffic signs. Gonzalez moves easily from English to Spanish, underscoring the Guzman family’s multilingual world. A.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2011]