Diego's Review of "How Tia Lola Came to Visit"

This past weekend I met Diego and his mom on their first visit to La Casa Azul Bookstore. I recommended "How Tia Lola Came to Visit" by Julia Alvarez - and less than a week later, here is Diego's review. 

I think Diego has a career as a writer, don't you agree?

Diego's Review of "How Tia Lola Came to Visit"
Rising 1st grader, 6 years old.

What was the book about?
This book is about how Tia Lola comes from the Dominican Republic to Vermont to stay with Miguel and Juanita. At first, it was just a visit but then she stayed longer than she was suppose to and that was a problem because she stays longer than 29 days. At first Miguel isn’t happy that she is there but then he begins to like her. Tia Lola becomes a part of the family and a very different community in Vermont.
 

What was your favorite part of the story? Why did you like it?
My favorite part of the story is when she tells a story about a group of people who wandered the world looking for the best place to live, they all end up on an island and then the island complains and the elements drive them away. It’s a story about how people are always looking for a better place to live instead of being happy were they are.

Who is/are the main characters? Tell us something about them. What happens to them in the story?
Tia Lola-She tells him really good stories and makes lots of good foods. She is a Santera and she is mysteriously magical.

Miguel-He’s a Dominican boy who is dealing with his parents divorce. He is the oldest. He likes his papi just like me!

Juanita-She’s the little sister. She tries to be a know-it-all.

The Mother-She’s a psychiatrist, she works as a counselor and she just moved her family to Vermont (except for the father, they got a divorce and he staid in New York).

 

What sort of book was it? Was it a picture book, a chapter book, a fantasy book, a nonfiction book for sport fans?
A chapter book

If there are illustrations, how did they help tell the story?
No illustrations.

Did you like the book?  

Yes

Why or why not? 

I thought it was fun reading the stories and it was really entertaining.

What was good about it? 

The characters were interesting, the beginning was a little boring but it became more interesting as you read on.

Did any parts make you laugh? Which ones?  

Juanita made me laugh because she was just like her mother. Also, there is a part when Tia Lola’s mole ends up on the other check because she draws it on. I thought that was funny.

Did you feel as if you were looking through the main character's eyes?
Yes.

What sort of people would like this book?
Dominican People, Latinos, Mixed-people, People from all lands would like this book.