LOLA REYES IS SO NOT WORRIED

Lola Reyes has plenty to worry about.

The Guatemalan American fifth grader is processing her dad’s sudden death, her mom’s overly controlled grief, and changing friendships. When she and her cousin find a box of worry dolls at Abuela Gloria’s house in Guatemala labeled “Do Not Open” in her dad’s handwriting, she sneaks them into her suitcase, hoping to keep a piece of Pop with her. Ignoring his warning note about an ancient Mayan curse, Lola soon faces more than she bargained for when the dolls come to life. The six dolls soak up worries from nearby humans, grow larger, and escape, causing mischief. Lola and annoying neighbor Chance Townsend, who’s cued white, team up to find the dolls within six days—before they release the magnified worries, with grim consequences. Lola doesn’t feel as though she can burden her grieving mother by asking for help with this problem, and she’s hurt that her best friend has become closer to one of their classmates over the summer. Lola is overwhelmed and must find a way to reverse the curse before it’s too late. Rodriguez seamlessly marries supernatural adventures with realistic, universal themes of grief and human connection. This dynamic, creative story highlights themes of loss, vulnerability, and the power of asking for help. The multifaceted characters remind readers that people often struggle with hidden complexities—a poignant message for middle graders.

A relatable, high-energy journey through grief and magic.