Told in first person, which works pretty well actually.
Very concise... the developments progress swiftly (in page count; the story actually takes place over a realistic length of time).
The author's voice is recognizably that of a poet. Which is not to say flowery or even melodic, but there's something special there.
And now I really want some huevos rancheros. And maybe some quipes, though I've never heard of them before (the recipe on Goya's website does look good).

Such a feel-good story; it gets more and more joyful as it goes along. Recommended. ( )

Tia Lola has a heart of gold, and an amazing ability to change the world around her. Heartwarming.
SPL Global Reading Challenge 2014 ( )

Renowned Latin American writer Alvarez has created another story about cultural identity, but this time the primary character is 11-year-old Miguel Guzmán.

When Tía Lola arrives to help the family, Miguel and his hermana, Juanita, have just moved from New York City to Vermont with their recently divorced mother. The last thing Miguel wants, as he's trying to fit into a predominantly white community, is a flamboyant aunt who doesn't speak a word of English. Tía Lola, however, knows a language that defies words; she quickly charms and befriends all the neighbors. She can also cook exotic food, dance (anywhere, anytime), plan fun parties, and tell enchanting stories. Eventually, Tía Lola and the children swap English and Spanish ejercicios, but the true lesson is "mutual understanding." Peppered with Spanish words and phrases, Alvarez makes the reader as much a part of the "language" lessons as the characters. This story seamlessly weaves two culturaswhile letting each remain intact, just as Miguel is learning to do with his own life. Like all good stories, this one incorporates a lesson just subtle enough that readers will forget they're being taught, but in the end will understand themselves, and others, a little better, regardless of la lengua nativa—the mother tongue.

Simple, bella, un regalo permenente: simple and beautiful, a gift that will stay. (Fiction. 9-11)

Sweet and charming with just the right amount of good life lessons never tipping over into schmaltzy sentiment. This book is excellent and I’m happy to put it in the hands of many readers ( )

The kid couldn't wait for me to finish this story. It was heartwarming and funny. I would recommend this book for anyone who has a kid going through a relocation. The kids in the book have moved to Vermont from NYC. It's not just a Latino kid book!