For Ages
8 to 12

How Tia Lola Learned to Teach is a part of the The Tia Lola Stories collection.

Tía Lola is going back to school in the second installment in the beloved Tía Lola Stories by the international bestselling author of How the García Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of the Butterflies.

"A welcome return for a wonderful character whose heart encompasses the whole world." —School Library Journal

Tía Lola has been invited to teach Spanish at her niece and nephew’s elementary school. But Miguel wants nothing to do with the arrangement. He…

An Excerpt fromHow Tia Lola Learned to Teach

Buenas razones cautivan los corazones  
Good intentions win hearts    

"Mami, why is Tia Lola so scared to be a teacher?" Juanita wants to know. Mami is tucking her into bed. Juanita has been pleading for five more minutes so she can read another chapter in her book. But Mami has ruled that Monday through Thursday, lights must be out promptly by eight p.m. Otherwise, Juanita is too tired to pay attention the next day in class.  

Mami sighs. "I think Tia Lola doesn't feel confident because she never went past fourth grade."  

"I haven't gone past fourth grade either," Juanita reminds her.  

"I know, Juanita." Mami smiles fondly at her daughter. "But you're only eight. And Tia Lola, well, she's past fifty. She thinks she's not smart enough to teach the kids at your school."  

"But that's ridiculous, Mami!" Juanita says importantly. It feels so grown-up to be able to pronounce something ridiculous. "Tia Lola knows so much. All these stories and songs and sayings. And she knows how to cook and make friends and…