How Tia Lola Came to (Visit) Stay (The Tia Lola Stories)
With her brilliantly hued flower-print dresses, her maracas andtambor, and the migrating beauty mark over her lipsticked mouth, Tia Lola  stands out in Vermont like a tropical bird in a snowstorm. Her nephew,  10-year-old Miguel, just wants to fit in to his new home. He and his mother and  sister have just moved here from New York following his parents' divorce. With  his black hair and brown skin, it's hard enough already without the flamboyant  antics of his friendly, nutty aunt, visiting from the Dominican Republic. But  even while she is dancing her merengues in front of his new friends and painting  the white farmhouse purple, Tia Lola is also weaving a magical spell of love and  support that Miguel and his wounded family sorely need. Miguel's growing  appreciation for his crazy aunt's ways, and the entire town's admiration and  respect for an outsider who, without even speaking the same language, wins the  hearts of all, is a funny, uplifting story.Julia Alvarez is the author of many award-winning novels, includingHow the Garcia Girls Lost Their  AccentsandIn the Time  of the Butterflies, and the picture bookThe Secret Footprints. She  writes with a warmth and humor that crosses all boundaries. (Ages 9 to 12)--Emilie Coulter--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.