Viva Lola Espinoza
on Goodreads (401)
What’s inside...
A debut young adult novel that's BOOKSMART with a dash of magic, about a Mexican American teen named Lola Espinoza who spends the summer in Mexico City. There, she meets two very cute boys, attempts to learn Spanish, and uncovers a family secret involving a curse that changes her life forever. As Lola navigates the world of magic, food, family, and love, she learns more about her heritage and the magic that surrounds us all.
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Lola Espinoza to pursue her dreams?
How did Lola handle challenges or setbacks in her journey?
What qualities do you admire most in Lola, and why?
How do you think Lola's story could inspire others?
If you could ask Lola one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Lola’s adventures and challenges, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and hard work as demonstrated by Lola, and relate it to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Highlight Lola’s qualities and ask your child which of these traits they might want to emulate, discussing practical steps on how they can do so.
After reading, ask your child to imagine a future scenario where they might apply the lessons learned from Lola’s journey.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Lola, interacts with friends from various backgrounds, showcasing the beauty of a diverse community.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect people's differences, fostering inclusivity from an early age.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: Lola often turns to her family for advice and support, highlighting the crucial role family plays in one's life.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to value and rely on their family for support and guidance.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Lola faces challenges but never gives up, teaching the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Lola uses her imagination to solve problems, demonstrating the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their creativity as a tool for problem-solving in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As Lola interacts with others, she shows kindness and understands their feelings, even when they are different from hers.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy, improving their interactions and relationships with others.