Lola

A TEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD NOMINEE“An enchanting journey of beauty and heartbreak. Lola’s story will immerse you in an unimaginable world, filled with undying love.” —DONNA BARBA HIGUERA, NEWBERY MEDALIST FOR THE LAST CUENTISTA★ “A quest undertaken for love and healing, replete alike with astonishing marvels and provocative themes.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ “The fantasy here is vividly imagined, but the story itself is ultimately real, painful, and achingly beautiful.” —The Bulletin, starred review★ “Readers will be lining up to get this book. A must-read for all upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans.” —School Library Journal, starred review★ “A truly enchanting adventure that both enthralls and entertains.” —Booklist, starred review“Valenti skillfully incorporates magical realism into this captivating tale, taking the reader on a memorable journey through a different world.” —The Horn Book“I never wanted to leave the lush and vibrant magical world of Lola, so full of surprises and delights. Karla Arenas Valenti has crafted a gorgeous tale, full of grace and hope.” —ANNE URSU, AUTHOR OF NOT QUITE A GHOST AND THE REAL BOY“A modern folktale filled with imagination, adventure, and love. Valenti weaves a vibrant, dreamlike tale exploring loss and letting go.” —ADRIANNA CUEVAS, PURA BELPRÉ HONOREE FOR THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF NESTOR LOPEZ“A beautifully crafted story full of adventure, magic, love, and heartache. This is a book to be treasured.” —CHRISTINA DIAZ GONZALEZ, EDGAR AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF CONCEALED “A passionate tribute to nature and family.” —MARGARITA ENGLE, NEWBERY HONOREE FOR THE SURRENDER TREE

Karla Arenas Valenti writes stories for and about kids, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism and philosophical questions. Her storytelling is heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she’s picked up in her many travels around the world. She is the recipient of the Pura Belpre Award, and her two middle grade novels Lola and Loteria have received a combined seven starred reviews. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.