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Books del Sur curates Latin America Spanish-language literature to support dual language curriculum.

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LOLA

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Lola (publicado originalmente como Islandborn) de Junot Díaz, con ilustraciones de Leo Espinosa, es un libro ilustrado de hermosa factura que sigue a una niña mientras explora sus raíces culturales. Cuando la maestra de Lola les pide a los alumnos que dibujen su país de origen, Lola se da cuenta de que no recuerda "la isla" que dejó de bebé. A través de conversaciones con familiares y vecinos, reconstruye recuerdos vívidos —alegres, inquietantes y fantásticos— que la ayudan a reconectar con su herencia. El libro introduce con delicadeza temas de inmigración, identidad y trauma histórico, incluyendo un "monstruo" metafórico que representa la dictadura. Para los educadores bilingües, Lola ofrece una plataforma enriquecedora para explorar la identidad, la memoria y la narrativa afrolatina, a la vez que fomenta el vocabulario bilingüe y el diálogo intercultural.

English Description:

Lola (originally published as Islandborn) by Junot Díaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa, is a beautifully crafted picture book that follows a young girl as she explores her cultural roots. When Lola’s teacher asks the class to draw the country they’re originally from, Lola realizes she doesn’t remember “the Island” she left as a baby. Through conversations with family and neighbors, she pieces together vivid memories—joyful, haunting, and fantastical—that help her reconnect with her heritage. The book gently introduces themes of immigration, identity, and historical trauma, including a metaphorical “monster” representing dictatorship. For dual language educators, Lola offers a rich platform for exploring Afro-Latinx identity, memory, and storytelling, while supporting bilingual vocabulary and cross-cultural dialogue.

Publishing Details

Author : Junot Diaz

Illustrator : Leo Espinosa

Author Nationality : Dominican Republic

Type of Spanish : Translated

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture

Cover: Hardcover

Pages: 48

Year Published: 2018

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: 2nd

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Fiction

Theme: Social Emotional, School, Migration, Immigration, Imagination, Hispanic Heritage Month, Family