LOLA OUT LOUD

“¡Si se puede!”

A day in the life of a young Dolores Huerta is imagined in this story of activism. Lola helps Mama run the Hotel Delano. She delivers fresh towels, washes windows, and sets the dinner table—the only thing she can’t seem to do is stop talking! Her grandfather calls her “Lolita Siete Lenguas” (“Little Lola, Seven Tongues, all fighting to be heard”) and tells her, “For now, you must be quiet” but adds, “Sometimes one strong voice is just what we need.” When Lola, looking out her window, spots a woman and a girl getting kicked off the cable car for being unable to pay, she knows she must act. Remembering her mother’s admonition to fix a problem when it arises rather than pretending it isn't there, she races downstairs to welcome them into the hotel. Lola grows up to be a tireless advocate for farmworkers’ rights and uses her “seven tongues” to fight for social justice causes. This uncomplicated story will encourage readers to speak up when they see someone in need. Warm illustrations give characters—depicted in various shades of brown—a friendly tone. In an author’s note, Torres explains that while this incident was imagined, the story is inspired by Huerta’s childhood; Torres also provides details of Huerta’s iconic labor organizing work. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Kids can make a difference, which Lola proves with gusto.