Reviews

How Tia Lola Came to (Visit) Stay by Julia Alvarez

corinniebee's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

falconerreader's review against another edition

2.0

Too cute and easy. I love her adult works, but wouldn't recommend this to kids. Books for kids (or adults!) don't need doom and gloom, but despite Miguel's pain at his parents' divorce, he seemed to be living in a santized version of the real world. I started reading her because she taught at my college years ago, so it was fun to finally see a glipmse of Middlebury in her books, but even Midd was simplified and made cutesy.

beththebookdragon's review against another edition

4.0

Tia Lola is lively and actually magical. Miguel thought she'd be an annoyance at first, but her magic seemingly works for him and even on him.

The family is going through a lot--divorce, a move, and Tia Lola's visit--but their troubles never drag the story down.

Lots of fun, some little mysteries, and a great deal of love.

jennybeastie's review against another edition

3.0

Tia Lola has a heart of gold, and an amazing ability to change the world around her. Heartwarming.
SPL Global Reading Challenge 2014

jaroa's review against another edition

4.0

Reading this book for a end of the year activities with my Spanish A students

megoland's review against another edition

4.0

This was a very sweet book about the meaning of home and family. When Miguel's aunt "Tia Lola" comes from the Dominican Republic to stay with his mom, sister, and him in their new house in Vermont, Miguel is embarrassed by her poor English skills and extroverted nature. His parents have also just gotten separated and Miguel misses his Dad, who is still living in New York. Of course, as the story goes on, Miguel warms up to his aunt and decides that he really doesn't want her to go back to the Dominican. A good story for 3rd/4th graders that could lead to many discussions about home and family.


I took a star off because Tia Lola's character did seem somewhat stereotyped off an image that all people from the D.R. are colorful, outgoing, and friendly. I would be interested to hear what people from the D.R. think of this book.

susirecio's review

hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

It's such a sweet book. I don't have any other words to say. It is so real, so... kind. Great read. It shows very real things and reflect very real problems in such a nice way. Absolutely loved it. 

  I had originally given it 5 starts but I decided to keep the 5 starts for books that are not only perfect but that go next level.  It's a 4.99 for me. 

katiehearn08's review against another edition

4.0

What a wonderful book! I am so excited to use this in my classroom. I love that the characters take pride in the Spanish language and their Dominican heritage. My Spanish speakers will definitely relate to Miguel and Juanita, and act as experts to my English and other language speakers, who will be enthralled to learn little pieces of the Spanish language. This book would be great for guided reading groups, or for read aloud, as the chapters are smaller stories within the book.

ashlyn_f_stel's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this audiobook. I think I read this when I was in elementary school, but I didn’t remember much about it. I enjoyed the relationship between Miguel and his family. His character development was dynamic and realistic. I’m definitely going to be reading the next one!

thebookishaustin's review against another edition

funny informative lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.0