A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the emotional fallout of a divorce, especially if it involves moving or new family living arrangements. After his parents separate, ten-year-old Miguel moves with his mom and sister from New York City to rural Vermont. Things get even more complicated when his Tía Lola, who speaks no English, arrives from the Dominican Republic to help. This heartwarming and humorous story explores Miguel's journey from embarrassment over his vibrant, non-conforming aunt to a deep love and appreciation for her and his cultural roots. It’s an excellent choice for normalizing the sadness of family change while celebrating the joy and strength found in extended family and cultural identity.
The landlord is prejudiced against the family, partly because they are Latino and new to the town.
Cultural Content GapMild
Uses Spanish words and references Dominican culture. All are explained in context and very accessible.
Sensitive Topics
The central sensitive topic is parental divorce. The book's approach is direct but gentle. The divorce is the catalyst for the story, and the children's sadness is acknowledged, but the narrative focus is on adapting and building a new, happy family life. The resolution is very hopeful, showing that a family can change shape and become even stronger. The theme of cultural identity is also handled directly, exploring Miguel's conflict as a Dominican-American boy in a predominantly white community. The resolution celebrates embracing one's heritage.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 11-year-old child dealing with their parents' separation, a move to a new town, or the arrival of a new family member in the home. It is particularly resonant for a child who feels caught between two cultures or is navigating feelings of being different from their peers.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. Parents might want to be ready for conversations about divorce, what it means to feel like an outsider, and the beauty of different cultures. Some Spanish words are used, but they are always explained in context, providing a gentle introduction to a new language. A parent has just seen their child struggle to adjust after a divorce. The child might say something like, "I miss Dad," "Why can't we be a normal family?" or express embarrassment about family traditions that make them stand out.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with the humor of Tía Lola's antics, the friendship dynamics, and the satisfying story of winning over the grumpy landlord. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the nuances of Miguel's internal conflict, the themes of cultural assimilation vs. cultural pride, and the emotional weight of his parents' separation.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books that focus on the grief of divorce, this story is about what can be gained. It uniquely intertwines the theme of family restructuring with an exploration of cultural heritage. The arrival of Tía Lola doesn't just help the family heal; it enriches their lives, connects them to their roots, and makes their world bigger and more colorful. It reframes a post-divorce family not as broken, but as beautifully expanded.
Read plot summary
Ten-year-old Miguel and his sister move with their mother to Vermont after their parents' divorce. Their aunt, Tía Lola, comes from the Dominican Republic to care for them. Miguel, trying to fit in at his new school, is initially mortified by his aunt's broken English, colorful clothes, and exuberant behavior, such as painting their rental house bright purple. Through her warmth, storytelling, and delicious cooking, Tía Lola gradually wins over the town, Miguel's friends, and eventually Miguel himself. The family also faces a challenge from their grumpy landlord, but Tía Lola's charm and the community's support help them find a way to stay.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At first, Miguel is embarrassed by Tía Lola and wishes she would be more 'American.' Why do you think he feels this way? What specific things does Tía Lola do that change his mind?
2
Tía Lola helps her new friends and neighbors in many ways, like making special tea or helping with a baseball team. How does her way of helping people differ from how other adults in the story solve problems?
3
When Miguel plays baseball, he imagines Tía Lola telling him to 'swing with all your heart.' How does his relationship with his aunt help him gain confidence in other parts of his life?
4
The title changes from 'How Tía Lola Came to (Visit) Stay.' Why is changing the word 'visit' to 'stay' so important for Miguel and his family at the end of the book?
