A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow
Girl’s Guide Series
on Goodreads (25,887)
What’s inside...
Love & Gelato meets Don’t Date Rosa Santos in this charming, heartfelt story following a Miami girl who unexpectedly finds love—and herself—in a small English town. For Lila Reyes, a summer in England was never part of the plan. The plan was 1) take over her abuela’s role as head baker at their panadería, 2) move in with her best friend after graduation, and 3) live happily ever after with her boyfriend. But then the Trifecta happened, and everything—including Lila herself—fell apart. Worried about Lila’s mental health, her parents make a new plan for her: spend three months with family friends in Winchester, England, to relax and reset. But with the lack of sun, a grumpy inn cook, and a small town lacking Miami flavor (both in food and otherwise), what would be a dream trip for some feels more like a nightmare to Lila…until she meets Orion Maxwell. A teashop clerk with troubles of his own, Orion is determined to help Lila out of her funk, and appoints himself as her personal tour guide. From Winchester’s drama-filled music scene to the sweeping English countryside, it isn’t long before Lila is not only charmed by Orion, but England itself. Soon a new future is beginning to form in Lila’s mind—one that would mean leaving everything she ever planned behind.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lila Reyes
Orion Maxwell
Discussion points
What similarities and differences do you see between your life and Lila's life in 'A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow'?
How does Lila handle changes and challenges in the story? Can you think of a time when you faced a similar situation?
Lila uses her cooking to connect with her heritage and memories. Is there something special in your family that helps you feel connected to your culture or past?
What role do friendships play in Lila's journey throughout the book? Why do you think these relationships are important?
How do the settings of England and Miami influence Lila's experiences and growth? Which location would you want to visit and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Lila’s experiences, relating them to their own life.
Discuss the importance of cultural heritage and ask about ways your family celebrates or preserves its own culture.
Take the opportunity to explore the theme of resilience and adaptability with your child, discussing how Lila adapts to her new environment.
Highlight the role of friendship and support systems in overcoming challenges, prompting your child to share their own experiences with friends.
Use the contrasting settings in the book as a fun starting point to discuss different cultures and places around the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of change
Explanation: The protagonist, Lila, copes with sudden changes in her life, including moving from Cuba to England. Throughout her journey, Lila demonstrates resilience by adapting to her new surroundings and overcoming personal loss.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change positively and understand that it's possible to thrive despite unexpected challenges in life.
Example Lesson: Importance of cultural identity
Explanation: Lila's deep connection with her Cuban heritage plays a crucial role in her story. She uses her culinary skills to stay connected to her roots and share her culture with others.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children the importance of understanding and preserving their cultural identity, and teaches them to appreciate diverse cultures.
Example Lesson: Healing through sharing
Explanation: As Lila shares her traditional Cuban dishes, she not only introduces her culture but also finds comfort and healing by connecting with people around her.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing their own stories and talents as a way of healing and building meaningful connections.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Lila forms friendships that help her navigate her new environment and personal growth. Her friends provide support and understanding, helping her to feel less isolated.
Real-World Application: This shows children how building supportive friendships can provide comfort and assistance during difficult times, promoting the importance of empathy and camaraderie.