Lola's Fandango

K-Gr 2—Lola lives with her parents and amazing older sister in a city apartment. It seems that everything Clementina does is perfect, and Lola has nothing special to offer. When she discovers a beautiful pair of dancing shoes while rummaging around her mother's closet, she convinces her father to teach her the flamenco so she can dance like her mother once did. They secretly practice on the roof of their building, and Lola develops duende: "Spirit. Attitude." When the family plans a surprise birthday party for their mother, Lola finally has her moment to shine. This book is a terrific introduction to an aspect of Spanish culture. The rich narrative is sprinkled with Spanish words that are defined within the text and/or in the glossary, and the writing has flashes of great imagery. The collage illustrations make the story heat up and build the suspense of the surprise Lola is creating for her mother. Vibrant colors, swirls, and splashes of light and sparkle bring the rhythm of the flamenco to the pages, and the varied layout maintains interest. A first purchase.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME