How Tia Lola Ended Up Starting Over (The Tia Lola Stories)
#4 of 3 in The Tia Lola Stories Series
on Goodreads (99)
What’s inside...
Welcome to Tia Lola's bed and breakfast! With the help of her niece and nephew and the three Sword Sisters, Tia Lola is opening the doors of Colonel Charlebois' grand old Vermont house to visitors from all over. But Tia Lola and the children soon realize that running a B & B isn't as easy as they had initially thought—especially when it appears that someone is out to sabotage them! Will Tia Lola and the kids discover who's behind the plot to make their B & B fail? And will Tia Lola's family and friends be able to plan her a surprise birthday party in her own B & B without her finding out? This story is the last book in the Tia Lola Stories series.
Character compass
Tía Lola
Ms. Stevens
Colonel Charlebois
Laura Guzman
Juanita Guzman
Miguel Guzman
Discussion points
How did Tia Lola's actions and decisions help her adapt to new situations? Can you think of a time you had to start something new?
What makes Tia Lola special to those around her? How do people in your life encourage and support you?
Why is it important to keep and share cultural traditions like Tia Lola does? What traditions are important in our family?
How do the characters in the story show resilience and positivity in the face of challenges?
What can we learn from Tia Lola about making the best out of a difficult situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to make personal connections with the storyline by relating it to their own experiences. Use the open-ended questions to facilitate a deeper understanding of the story's themes, such as adaptability, cultural appreciation, and resilience. Reinforce the values discussed by drawing parallels between the book’s messages and real-life scenarios your child might encounter. Most importantly, listen actively to your child’s responses to foster a nurturing environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The story demonstrates how Tia Lola adjusts to new environments and situations when she moves to Vermont. Her optimistic approach toward starting over in a new place teaches resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to see changes in life, such as moving to a new school or city, as opportunities for growth and new experiences rather than something to fear.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Tia Lola brings her vibrant Dominican culture to Vermont, sharing her traditions and language with new friends. This teaches the importance of embracing and respecting cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing interest in learning about different cultures, participating in cultural festivals, and making friends from diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tia Lola uses her creativity and wisdom to solve problems and help others in the community. This highlights the value of thinking creatively and helping others.
Real-World Application: Children can use problem-solving skills in their daily interactions by finding creative solutions to conflicts with peers or helping out family members during challenging times.