Lola

By Karla Arenas Valenti

A magical journey to save a brother leads to a hidden world and a formidable queen.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 385 ratings

256 pages· 44,424 words· Est. 6 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In Mexico City, ten-year-old Lola's life is steeped in magic. When her brother Alex falls mysteriously ill, and their home's magical tree begins to wither, Lola suspects a connection. Guided by a grocery store oracle, she ventures into Floresta, a secret realm of myths and monsters. There, the cure for Alex awaits, but a young queen blocks her path. Lola must confront her fears and outsmart the queen to save her brother. Will she succeed before time runs out?

From the publisher

A simmering tale of magic, adventure, and the extraordinary bond between a brother and sister who’d journey to the ends of the Earth to save each other. From the acclaimed author of Lotería comes a heartfelt story rooted in Mexican magical realism. A PURA BELPRÉ AUTHOR WINNER - A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Ten-year-old Lola has always been touched by magic. In her Mexico City home, built around a towering tree, she is accustomed to enchanted blooms that change with the seasons, a sandbox that spits out mysterious treasures, and mischievous chaneques that scuttle about unseen by all but her. Magic has always been a part of her life, but now she must embrace the extraordinary as never before. Ever since The Thing That Happened, Lola’s brother Alex has been sick. As his condition worsens, something begins eating away at the tree, causing its leaves and blossoms to crumble like ash. The two are related, Lola is sure of it, but how? Seeking a cure, she visits a grocery store oracle who bids her to follow the chaneques down one of their secret passages… into a hidden world. Here in Floresta, a land of myths and monsters and marvels untold, lies the key to healing her brother. But the kingdom’s young queen stands in the way. Lola must use her wits and face her deepest fears if there’s any hope of saving Alex in time.

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