Lola and the New School: (!Hola, Lola!)
¡Hola, Lola! Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The story follows Lola, a young girl who faces the challenges and excitement of starting at a new school. Lola experiences a mix of emotions as she navigates making new friends, dealing with bullies, and embracing her identity in an unfamiliar environment. With her vibrant personality and resilient spirit, Lola learns to adapt and flourish in her new setting.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lola
Discussion points
How did Lola feel on her first day at the new school and have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways Lola tried to make new friends? What would you try?
Lola faced a few challenges in her new school. Can you recall what they were and how she handled them?
How did the support from her family help Lola adjust to her new school?
What do you think you can learn from Lola’s experiences? Can you apply it to any new situations you might face?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about starting new experiences, just like Lola did. Discuss the importance of perseverance and seeking support when faced with new challenges. Highlight the positive aspects of making new friends and adapting to new environments. Draw parallels between the story and your child’s life to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Lola faces the challenge of starting at a new school and learns to embrace the changes that come with it. She discovers new friends and opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to view changes in their own lives, like moving to a new school or city, as opportunities for growth and making new connections.
Example Lesson: Cultural Pride
Explanation: Throughout '¡Hola, Lola!', Lola takes pride in her cultural heritage and shares her traditions with her new classmates, which is met with interest and appreciation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take pride in their own heritage and feel confident in sharing their culture with others, promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Despite initial fears and challenges, Lola demonstrates resilience by finding ways to adapt to her new school environment positively.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it's normal to face difficulties with new experiences and that perseverance and a positive attitude can help them overcome these challenges.
Example Lesson: Building Friendships
Explanation: Lola learns to make new friends by being open and kind, which helps her transition into her new school smoothly.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of kindness and openness in forming new friendships and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Lola communicates her feelings of fear and excitement about her new school with her family, who support her throughout her journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of expressing their feelings to family and friends who can provide support and guidance.