  | Too small Tola and the three fine girls (Too Small Tola) Author: Atinuke | |
| Price: $21.68 | ||
Summary:
Too Small Tola lives in an apartment with her clever sister, Moji; her big brother, Dapo; and Grandmommy, who is very bossy. In the first of three endearing new adventures, Tola is sized just right to wriggle under the bed and rescue Grandmommy's prized possession when it goes missing. Her savvy and math skills save the day when Grandmommy gets sick, and when the family can't afford new clothes, industrious Tola finds a way to be just as fine as the three fine girls she so greatly admires.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | Iwu, Onyinye |
Download a Teacher's Guide| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.50 Points: 1.0 Quiz: 518132 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (09/01/22)
School Library Journal (09/01/22)
Booklist (08/01/22)
The Hornbook (+) (00/09/22)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 Gr 2–4—It can be a challenge being the youngest of three; luckily Tola has enough spunk and ingenuity to face any problem that comes her way. Tola lives with her older sister, Moji; brother, Dapo; and grandmother in Lagos, Nigeria. This title features three chapters with Tola working through three separate problems. In the first story, Dapo decides to play soccer inside, which is against the rules. The ball gets out of control, causing Grandma's earrings—family heirlooms—to go missing; the kids are terrified that they are lost forever. When Grandma gets too sick to work in the second story, the children have to figure out a way to collaborate so they can support the family. Tola, in the final tale, becomes jealous of children in her town who are more affluent and learns an important lesson about herself and what is important in her life. Elementary readers will relate to Tola's interactions with her family as they learn about Nigerian culture. Black-and-white illustrations add to the story and will aid readers in comprehension. The impact of sibling conflicts will ring true with many. The moral of each tale is obvious, the endings can be pat, yet beginning readers will be relieved and happy for Tola's sake. Some Nigerian vocabulary is used, but not all is defined. This is an entertaining tale about determination and family. VERDICT A good choice for fans of the author's previous "Tola" titles; readers will not be disappointed with this pleasant new installment.—Elena Schuck - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 08/01/2022 Diminutive, spunky Tola returns for another round of adventures in Lagos, Nigeria. In the first, “Tola Saves the Day,” Tola gets out of a tedious chore when her older siblings (Moji and Dupo) accidentally lose one of Grandmommy’s best earrings—but Tola knows just where to look. The stakes are higher in “Tola Takes Control,” as Grandmommy becomes bedridden with malaria. Needing money for food and medicine, Tola rallies Dupo and Moji to take up Grandmommy’s work selling groundnuts by the roadside. In the final story, “Tola and the Three Fine Girls,” Tola grapples with envy when she sees three fashionable girls with trendy new clothes and stylish hairdos. It’s impossible not to love Atinuke’s little protagonist, who never lets her small size get in the way of her big personality or dreams. The frequent grayscale chapter illustrations will help readers who may be unfamiliar with aspects of Tola’s Nigerian life and culture. A great read-alike for Juana & Lucas, the Too Small Tola series is a wonderful addition to early-chapter-book collections. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
