
Reach for this book when your child is facing a summer of transition, feeling the sting of a parent's absence, or struggling to find their place in a blended family. It is a warm embrace for children who feel like they are caught between two worlds or two homes. The story follows Miguel and his sister as they navigate a summer in Vermont where their father's new life and their own cultural identity collide. With Tía Lola's arrival, the narrative transforms from a story of lack into one of abundance. Parents will appreciate how Julia Alvarez treats complex emotions like jealousy and loneliness with a light, humorous touch while maintaining deep emotional integrity. It is an ideal choice for validating a child's feelings about divorce and the beauty of finding 'magic' in unexpected family configurations.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book handles divorce and the introduction of a parent's new partner directly but with a gentle, secular approach. The resolution is realistic rather than magical: the parents do not get back together, but the children find a way to coexist happily in their new reality.
A 9 to 11 year old who is navigating the 'new normal' of life after a divorce, especially a child who feels like an outsider in their own community or family.
Read the scenes involving the father's new partner to prepare for potential questions about loyalty and shifting family roles. No major warnings needed: it is very safe and supportive. A parent might see their child acting out or withdrawing when asked to spend time with a 'new' family unit or feeling embarrassed by a relative who stands out.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the fun of the camp and Tía Lola's antics. Older readers (11-12) will deeply resonate with Miguel's internal struggle with his father's divided attention and his own identity.
Unlike many 'divorce books' that are somber, this uses humor and cultural vibrancy as a healing mechanism, focusing on the expansion of family rather than just the loss.
Miguel and his sister Summer are facing a disappointing vacation after their parents' divorce. Their father is busy with his new girlfriend and her children, leaving the siblings feeling secondary. Enter Tía Lola, their vivacious aunt from the Dominican Republic, who decides to open 'Camp Tía Lola' for the neighborhood. Through creative activities, Spanish lessons, and community building, she helps the children navigate their changing family dynamics and embrace their dual heritage in a predominantly white Vermont town.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.