This young adult novel features a book-smart teen who spends the summer in Mexico City, meets two very cute boys, attempts to learn Spanish, and uncovers a family secret that changes her life forever.
“Cerón’s beautiful tale is a reminder that life lessons often come from outside of schools, books, or snapshots.”—Booklist, starred review
Lola Espinoza is cursed.
Well, maybe not actually cursed—magic isn’t real . . . is it?
When Lola goes to spend the summer in Mexico City with her grandmother and meets handsome, flirtatious Rio, she learns a secret that has created a rift in her family for decades. Against her better judgement, Lola enlists her new coworker Javi—Rio’s surly friend whom Lola is pretty sure hates her—to be her guide as she learns the ropes at her cousin’s restaurant and travels the city looking for more information about the curse.
Over the course of one unforgettable summer—filled with food, family, and two very different boys—Lola finds herself learning about love, belonging, and the magic around us all.
On sale: April 11, 2023
Age: 12 and up
Grade: Grade 7 & Up
Page count: 400 Pages
ISBN: 9780593405628
Reading level: Lexile: 950L
Ella Cerón is a writer and editor from Los Angeles, California. She lives in New York City with two black cats. Her work has appeared in
Teen Vogue, GQ, InStyle, and other major publications.
Viva Lola Espinoza is her first novel.
"A rollicking fun read."
—Publishers Weekly"This novel will resonate with readers who understand the difficulties of breaking out of their comfort zone, especially when it comes to conquering the obstacles of love and parents. Cerón’s beautiful tale is a reminder that life lessons often come from outside of schools, books, or snapshots."
—Booklist, starred review"The story thoughtfully touches on identity and heritage: Lola’s paternal grandparents were undocumented, Papi attended college in Mexico, and Lola feels sensitive about her language struggles. It also explores colorism in Latine communities; Lola has tan skin, Rio is light-skinned, and Javi, who has a darker complexion, has a Zapotec mother. A tender coming-of-age story about family and first love."
—Kirkus Reviews
