Lola - by Karla Arenas Valenti (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Determined to save her brother from the Darkness that plagues their home, ten-year-old Lola follows mythical chaneques into a secret world where she seeks help from the queen"--

Book Synopsis

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.

A PURA BELPRÉ AUTHOR WINNER - A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

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.

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

★ "A quest undertaken for love and healing, replete alike with astonishing marvels and provocative themes." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "The fantasy here is vividly imagined, but the story itself is ultimately real, painful, and achingly beautiful." --The Bulletin, starred review

★ "Readers will be lining up to get this book. A must-read for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans." --School Library Journal, starred review

★ "A truly enchanting adventure that both enthralls and entertains." --Booklist, starred review

"Valenti skillfully incorporates magical realism into this captivating tale, taking the reader on a memorable journey through a different world." --The Horn Book

"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

"A passionate tribute to nature and family." --MARGARITA ENGLE, NEWBERY HONOREE FOR THE SURRENDER TREE

About the Author

Karla Arenas Valenti is an award-winning author who writes stories for and about kids, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism and philosophical questions. Her storytelling is heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she's picked up in her many travels around the world. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books. Karla received the Pura Belpré author award for her middle grade novel, Lola, and three starred reviews for her debut, Loteria. She has also written several picture books including Esperanza Caramelo: The Star of Nochebuena.