Lola Levine Is Not Mean!

Lola Levine #1

by Monica Brown, Angela Dominguez (Illustrator)

Lola loves writing in her diario and playing soccer with her team, the Orange Smoothies. But when a soccer game during recess gets "too competitive," Lola accidentally hurts her classmate Juan Gomez. Now everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine!

Lola feels horrible, but with the help of her family and her super best friend, Josh Blot, she learns how to navigate the second grade in true Lola fashion--with humor and the power of words.

In this first book in a series, Lola's big heart and creative spirit will ring true to young readers.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Chapter Books, Sports, Fiction, Friendship, Middle Grade, Childrens

96 pages, Hardcover

First published November 3, 2015

About the author

Monica Brown, Ph.D. is the author of awardwinning bilingual books for children, including My Name Is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/Me llamo Celia: La vida de Celia Cruz (Luna Rising), a recipient of the Américas Award for Children's Literature and a Pura Belpré Honor. Her second picture book, My Name Is Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/Me llamo Gabriela: La vida de Gabriela Mistral (Luna Rising) shares the story of the first Latina to win a Nobel Prize.

Monica's books are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. "I write from a place of deep passion, joy, and commitment to producing the highest possible quality of literature for children. In my biographies, the lives of my subjects are so interesting and transformational that I am simply giving them voice for a young audience. I don't think it is ever too early to introduce children to the concepts of magical realism, social justice, and dreaming big!"

Her other books include Chavela and the Magic Bubble (Clarion), Pelé, King of Soccer/Pelé, el rey del fútbol (Rayo/HarperCollins), My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: La vida de Gabriel Garcia Márquez (Luna Rising), and the forthcoming Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a lado, La Historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez (Rayo/HarperCollins).

Monica Brown is a Professor of English at Northern Arizona University, specializing in U.S. Latino Literature and Multicultural Literature. She also writes and publishes scholarly work with a Latino/a focus, including Gang Nation: Delinquent Citizenship in Puerto Rican and Chicano and Chicana Literature; and numerous scholarly articles and chapters on Latino/a literature and cultural studies. She is a recipient of the prestigious Rockefeller Fellowship on Chicano Cultural Literacies from the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Flagstaff, Arizona.

To hear Monica Brown on Arizona NPR radio, click here or here. Find out what Monica Brown has to say about children's books and literacy here and here.

Reviews

[Wendi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When second-grader Lola accidentally kicks Juan while playing soccer, her classmates give the nickname, "Mean Lola Levine." Lola feels badly about hurting Juan, and apologizes, but her apology doesn't stop the teasing.

Lola's a strong, well-rounded character. She has very strong likes and dislikes, and doesn't want to bow to peer pressure (like the belief that girls and boys can't be friends). I think this is a great introduction to chapter books, with an appealing female protagonist.

[Sarah Mcauliffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lola is a rambunctious second grader. She is tough on the outside but has a kind heart, especially toward her first grade brother. She is wild about soccer and kittens. Lola's troubles begin when she kicks another player instead of kicking the ball. She earns the nickname "Mean Lola Levine". Lola is truthful and honest to her parents, who think the Principals punishment is too harsh. I would like to have seen the parents show concern for the boy who was injured. The story is told from Lola's perspective and Would be engaging for girls in grades 2-4. Lola is pretty mature. She writes notes when she is upset and tells her parents about her troubles. This can serve as a model for young readers on how to act when things don't go your way.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good early chapter books are hard to find. This is a good one even if it contains soccer (ie the dumbest sport in the world).

[Teddi Eberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola is a great character that kids are sure to relate to. She has spunk! Her biracial family is also a great addition to the world of kid lit.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola Levine Is Not Mean!

An early reader chapter book (Lola is in second grade) about Lola Levine who is half Peruvian on her mom's side and half Jewish on her dad's side. Her given name is Dolores, after her Tia Lola in Peru. Our Lola HATES her given name especially when she's teased by the mean girl, even now 2 years later, or her little brother. Overall, she loves her little brother though. He seems to have inherited the stereotypical Jewish curly hair and Lola helps him look nice to impress a girl he likes. ("Liking" defined as wanting to share paints with her and choosing each other for teams).

Lola is a soccer star and super competitive. One day at recess, she gets too into the game and another kid ends up hurt. This earns her the enmity of her classmates. "Lola Levine is mean!" She has to learn a lesson before the principal will let her play team sports at recess again.

Poor Lola! While I didn't click with her, she's very realistic, in a Ramona sort of way. She's hyperactive, as is her brother Ben and their parents just accept it and allow the kids to be themselves- within limits. Their dad is an artist who believes in creative expression and Lola is allowed to paint on her closet! Dad is awesome! Mom is understanding and sympathetic but won't solve Lola's problems for her. Lola is a writer and uses her talent to work through her problems. I really like that and can relate.

Ben is sometimes annoying and sometimes sweet. I can relate to his big problem! The science lesson is not for me either, thanks.

Yes there's a mean girl and some mid bullying but Lola figures it out in a positive way and therefore the book is helpful for learning how to navigate the social waters of grade school with bullies. There's no ethnic or religious bullying, just teasing because Dolores means "pain" in Spanish and the mean girl, Alyssa, thinks Lola is a pain.

The illustrations are cute and reflect a diverse modern family and community. I like this series a lot and I hope Beverly Cleary would approve. She paved the way for books about "kids like us."

On Central York PA's list of diverse resources banned and reinstated.

[Maggie Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola Levine: Is Not Mean
By Monica Brown
Illustrated by: Angela Dominguez

Experience the drama filled and busy life of second grader Lola Levine by stepping into her shoes! Lola Levine: In Not Mean is the first book in a series about a soccer loving and letter writing girl name Lola. This work of contemporary realistic fiction was written by multi award-winning children’s book author Monica Brown. Brown is known for writing about diverse multi-ethnic and families. Her writing is accompanied with pictures by Angela Dominguez, who received a Pura Belpre Honor Award for her illustrations in Mango, Abuela, and Me. The smart, creative, and confident Lola and her experience overcoming teasing at school will appeal to beginner readers in grades 1-3.

Lola comes from a multi-ethnic family. Her mother is Peruvian and her father is Jewish. Lola is an average second grade student who loves soccer. She is portrayed as a very competitive girl. Not only is she the goalie for her soccer team called the Orange Smoothies, she also plays soccer with her classmates during recess. One day, her competitiveness gets her in trouble when she slide tackles one of her classmates and hurts his ankle. She goes from being tolerated by the popular kids to despised as everyone starts calling her, “Mean Lola Levine!” Through a series of letters and conversations, Lola is able to reconcile her conflicts in her book. In the end, her best friend Josh sticks up for Lola and stops the bullies from teasing her.

This book has many great qualities of realistic fiction including the portrayal of diverse families, rich character development, and meaningful themes. In this book, both the author and illustrator work together to provide plenty of background information on Lola’s multi-ethnic family. For instance, the author incorporates Spanish and Hebrew words in the text. At the same time, the illustrator portrays Lola and her brother with differences that are typically seen in multi-ethnic families. The details given about the characters, other than Lola, add to the richness of the story and set a premise for the series. A great example of this is Lola’s brother, who is described as a soccer loving, outgoing kindergartner. His sensitive stomach causes many humorous events to occur in the book, but also brings out the loving and protective nature of the main protagonist, Lola. Finally, young readers will connect to the themes in the books because they are part of every second grader’s experience. The themes include friendship, bullying, gender roles, taking responsibility, and resolving dilemmas. These themes add a lot of richness to a beginner chapter book that is only 88 pages long.

This book can be read during a class read aloud in order to start discussions about teasing and bullying. It can also be recommended to students who are transitioning between picture and chapter books. This book is part of a series, therefore, many girls will find this book appealing because of the female protagonist and the role that gender plays in the story. I have yet read the other books in the series. They include, Lola Lavine: Drama Queen and The Ballet Scheme.

[Tonika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great one I enjoyed it and can relate to it. I feel like at one point in your life you are going to experience bullying or have already. In this story Lola was bullied because she made a mistake and hurt someone at school while playing soccer and everyone started called her mean. Lola was able to reach out to her parents about the situation and they were going to reach out to the principal, but instead Lola decided to write a letter to the principal because she was punished for accidentally hurting a friend while playing soccer. She explained to the principal about how it was an accident and sorry that it happened and the principal allowed her to play at recess again. It's more to this story but I don't want to tell it all but I would recommend this for children to read and I plan on reading the other two books that follows this one !

[Rachel❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Lola Levine Is Not Mean" is a great book. (It's a little short though.) I've never really written a book review, so I'll do my best. It's funny, it's clever, it's very realistic, and has a good plot. To me, it shows that there are misunderstandings, but most of the time the knots get worked out and everything's alright in the end. Again, awesome book.

[Noa Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola Levine Is Not Mean! is an early elementary chapter book written by Monica Brown and illustrated by Angela Dominguez. I found this book by researching contemporary realistic fiction books for early elementary classrooms. Lola Levine Is Not Mean! was reviewed by Kirkus Reviews and named one of the best middle-grade books of the year. I rented this book through Libby's digital library app and read it on my iPad.

This book tells the story of a second-grade girl, Lola, who is in second grade. Her mother is Peruvian, and her father is Jewish, both of which are important pieces of Lola's identity. Lola loves to play soccer. One day when she was playing a game of soccer at recess, she accidentally fouled and hurt a classmate. This gave her the new nickname, "Mean Lola Levine." Throughout the book, Lola struggles with being called mean and looks for ways to improve it. Overall, I thought the book was sweet and easy to read. Initially, I thought the plot was a little boring. However, when I researched this text's reading level and intended grade-level audience, I realized the plot is age-appropriate. The book is at a guided reading level M, which is appropriate for the end of second grade. Since the character is a second grader, this works well for this age range! I'm not sure I would recommend this for older readers reading at level M because I think the content would not be as interesting and exciting to them.

Monica Brown provides an authentic perspective to this story because it's based on her Peruvian and Jewish heritage. Throughout the story, Lola uses Spanish and Jewish/Hebrew/Yiddish words to show how important her culture is to her everyday life. It's easily intertwined throughout the book. For example, she signs her "diario" entries with "Shalom, Lola." The book also brings up how important food is to her family. They eat a variety of Peruvian and Jewish foods.

I, personally, prefer to read chapter books on my kindle, but I was nervous about reading this one since it has pictures. However, the images showed up clearly on the right pages, even in the digital version. For me, being able to have the text be bigger and more clear, make the reading experience more enjoyable.

This book falls under the contemporary realistic fiction category of "Books About Interpersonal Relations" because it deals with Lola trying to solve social problems and get along with her classmates. This book could be used to cover many of the second grade Reading-Literature standards. For example, one second-grade standard involves asking and answering "questions about the who, what, where, when, why, and how." Students could practice identifying each of these different plot aspects with this text. In addition, because this book has some pictures, students could practice connecting the text to the illustrations to strengthen their understanding of the characters, setting, and plot.

[Tibby]

This would make a great addition to any chapter book collection! Lola is a great character with an awesome family. I’m trying to add more girl sports books to our collection and this ticks that box perfectly too (I had some requests for books about soccer and Alex Morgan from a couple of my second grade girls a few weeks ago).

What I liked best about the sports aspect was that while it drove the plot with Lola accidentally hurting a classmate’s ankle during a recess game of soccer, the real focus of the story was not on playing soccer. It was a friendship story and a getting-along story. Lola’s classmates start to tease her for being too into soccer and too competitive and she has to navigate that situation.

Lola is also Peruvian (I don’t think we have any books with Peruvian characters in our collection yet!) and her heritage plays a role in her home life. It felt very organic instead of feeling like the culture was tacked on or being trumpeted in order to check off a diversity box.

Did I mention she has an awesome family? Lola’s parents get her. They understand her and they love her. It’s like Clementine’s parents. Which is especially refreshing when the teachers and principal at school clearly don’t understand her, expect her to fit into a box they think all girls should fit, and punish her for being who she is (a huge pet peeve of mine in books and real life). Lola is also by turns irritated and tolerant of her brother. They have what appears to be a healthy sibling relationship.

The book doesn’t have a Lexile level assigned to it, but it’s not too difficult of a book. I would say it would work for late second grade and third grade. It’s about 90 pages with pictures sprinkled in. None of the vocabulary stuck out as really difficult. Give this to kids who you know would like Clementine, but can’t handle the reading level yet and to kids who are into sports, particularly soccer.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola Levine is a soccer playing, kitten loving, big sister. She doesn't dress too girly and she loves sports. After playing soccer a little too aggressively, Lola is accused of injuring a boy on her team. Lola Levine may be many things but she is not mean.

I rated Lola Levine Is Not Mean! five out of five stars. I really enjoyed this quick read. This book is a perfect independent read for first-third grade. The characters are easy to fall in love with and I know students would be interested to learn more about Lola Levine, the "Soccer Queen".

I do have to note my love for Lola's parents and their passion towards supporting Lola and her brother, Ben's passion for self-expression. They allow the children to choose how they dress and how their hair looks. They allow Lola to paint in her bedroom closet. They encourage Lola to write, even when she's writing her "convincing notes" (trying to get what she wants). I appreciate that her family is a Jewish, Peruvian mixed culture family. I love how they encourage their diverse family in different ways: Lola's "shalom" greetings, and their meal of matzo ball soup, Peruvian chicken, and flan. All of these attributes make Lola and her family a good role model for students. She is a kind child that young children will certainly look up to.

[Dulce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola Levine is a 2nd grade, competitive soccer player that loves soccer and to write! She writes in her diario as well as letters to those around her. Even though her mom is Catholic and her dad is Jewish, Lola does not consider herself half-and-half. She likes to describe herself as whole, the way her parents told her she was.
Lola doesn't have many friends at school, except for Josh Blot, the principal's son. One day, Lola accidentally hurts a classmate during recess while playing soccer and now all the kids in her class think she is mean. Lola feels bad about this and it is not until she trust and reveals her problems at school to her loving family that Lola begins to find a solution to her troubles. This is a beginning chapter book that is written in first person in Lola's perspective. It would be a good book to use as a mentor text when students are writing personal narratives as it clearly describes how Lola feels and describes what is going on around her and is very engaging. I read this on my kindle and loved that I could go back and just look at my notes and highlighted text by just clicking one button. The illustrations were also still great on the kindle version. I will definitely continue to read the rest of this series.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Lola Levine series and it is a strong start. Lola breaks all stereotypes, from her dual multi-ethnic heritage, to her competitive, soccer-loving heart. She eats Matzo ball soup, wears her favorite Peruvian hat with ear flaps, and speaks Spanish with her mother.
One of my favorite parts of the story is that Lola is writes notes to her family and friends, especially when she is upset or is trying to "be convincing". She writes to her parents to express her longing to own a kitten, she communicates her nickname to her teacher via a note, and she apologizes for side tackling a classmate.
This book might lead to a discussion about religion. Lola explains that her dad is Jewish and she signs her diary entries with "Shalom" (which she explains means three things: hello, good-bye, and peace), but she also shares that her Mom is Catholic.
After finishing this book, readers will probably want to find the other books in this series or they might want to read about the famous soccer players that are mentioned throughout the story. Or it is possible that readers might want to follow Lola's example and give a go at their own "pencil power".

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third-grader Lola Levine is excitable, outspoken, and full of energy! She loves playing soccer and loves her Jewish-Peruvian heritage even more. But sometimes being an excitable, outspoken, energetic kid can catch up to you - like when Lola accidentally causes her classmate to twist an ankle during a recess soccer game. How can Lola ever lose the nickname "Mean, Mean Lola Levine" now?

A multicultural early chapter book about sports that stars a girl? I was intrigued from the start and requested it as soon as my library ordered it. The Spanish throughout is a nice touch, but I found the "shalom" Lola uses at the start and beginning of every diary entry to be a little gimmicky, and it got to be a bit much. Maybe that's the point, though - Lola might just be one of those kids who latches onto things and gets so excited about them that she burns other people out on her. (Not that I was one such kid, ahem.)

A great addition to any transitional reader's library, and a much needed dose of multicultural characters to the genre.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd grader Lola Levine who is half Peruvian and Half Jewish is an amazing, competitive soccer player.
In a soccer game, she accidentally hurts an opponent badly. All of the kids except her friend Josh, who happens to be the principal's son, shun her calling her "Mean Lola Levine."Even the principal forbids her from playing any sports at recess, a favorite activity for Lola. Finally confessing her dilemma to her understanding parents, she decides to write the principal a letter explaining what happened on the soccer field. The characters in this easy to read chapter book are multi-cultural and realistic. Illustrator Angela Dominguez's animated illustrations portray their multiculturalism effectively, even in Lola's family. Lola's interests of soccer, friendships, a need for a pet cat, and an adorable but often annoying little brother hit just the right notes for young readers, ready to embark on realistic fiction chapter books.

[Rebecca Muller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lola Levine is a second grade sports super star. She’s ultra competitive in soccer, and has a best friend who’s a boy (and the principal’s son). Lola finds the best means of communication is writing letters to her family and friends. She also keeps a ‘Diario’ where she writes her thoughts. Whether it’s a letter or a diary entry, it’s always signed ‘Shalom’.

After injuring a classmate by being too competitive during a recess soccer game, Lola is teased and ignored by the other children at school. She works to make amends through her writing. Kindness and acceptance prevail at the end.

I found this book outdated. Girls are finding athletic and competitive female friends, and don’t need boys to be their only source of sports competition.

She comes from a home with a Jewish father and a Peruvian mother, however, the cultures are not both equally represented.

Although this is a cheeky tale for young readers in 1st and 2nd grade, I would not add it to my classroom library.

[Elissa Schaeffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lola loves soccer but when her competitive side causes her to accidentally hurt a classmate during a recess game, she feels terrible! Now, thanks to mean-girl Alyssa, everyone is calling her "Mean, Mean Lola Levine." How can she make this better?

I really liked that Lola (eventually) brought her parents into her situation and that together they helped her figure out what to do. I also really liked Lola's pride in her Peruvian-Jewish heritage, which was made all the more authentic because that is the author's ethnic heritage as well. The references and language throughout added to the authentic feeling. Looking forward to more!

Recommended for grades 2 and up.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know what kind of girl you've got on your hands when she narrates using the phrase "in my opinion". Her hurtful misbehavior in this welcome new chapter book turns into a new friendship, so rest-assured things come out on top for Lola. Her parents (Peruvian Chicken, Matzo Ball Soup) are a microcosm of a diverse set of characters. The spanish phrases throughout and love of soccer make this a great addition to latino interest lists, but the real appeal is in the "Clementine-like" lead role of Lola Levine and the top-notch illustrations by Angela Dominguez.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lola Levine has a pretty standard real-life early chapter book plot - school, friends, family. They're all starting to feel the same to me. She is a little exceptional in that she has Peruvian ancestry and speaks some Spanish. I also liked that she stood up for herself (with the help of her mom) with another adult.

Her character is not sassy, but like so many others, knows her mind and finds herself in trouble sometimes. A good series for kids who like soccer.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Lola a lot! She epitomizes much of what we want for our children. She's an athlete and a writer. Lola has some pretty cool parents too. When Lola ends up accidentally hurting someone during a soccer game, she does her best to make amends.
I have two quibbles with this book. First, I was uncomfortable with the mean girl cliche. Second, what's with this liking of boys and or girls in that way in kindergarten and or grade two?

[Abby Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lola Levine is artistic, sporty, and she pretty much doesn't care what other people think. But when she accidentally hurts a classmate playing soccer at recess, the meanest girl in her class starts calling her MEAN Lola Levine. Can Lola convince her classmates that she's not mean?!

This is a sweet, fun story featuring a diverse family.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola's personality shines through in this series opener, as she apologizes to a classmate after fouling her in a soccer match. Although some kids tease her, calling her Mean Lola Levine, she shows them that she can be a Soccer Queen. Her bicultural family--Jewish, Peruvian--is an important source of humor and delightful inspiration.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always in search of decent early chapter books and this one fits the bill. Young students can relate to Lola Levine's dilemmas and there are lessons to be learned from her mistakes. She's a spunky character with great appeal, especially to my girls who love soccer. I also appreciate a book with a young Hispanic protagonist. I hope there will be more in this series!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is 900 times less annoying than most early chapter books with female protagonists. Lola is thoughtful without being flawless, playful, likes sports, has a male best friend, and has a range of interests and friends. The book also features diverse characters without using stereotypes or emphasizing it.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that can resonate with any age girl who enjoys writing in her diary! Lola is a soccer player who takes competition to far and accidentally hurts another player. She must write an apology letter .The story is about more than just Lola not being mean its about friendship and learning to say sorry!

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this series to our 7 yr old munchkin at bedtime and we both really enjoy it.
Interspersed with Spanish words here and there as Lola writes in her 'Diario,' plus a Latinx multicultural family, and a spunky and confident protagonist to boot, the munchkin found a lot to relate to in Lola! A wonderful series for early chapter book readers, highly recommend!

[Rachel Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute early chapter book about a half-Jewish, half-Peruvian girl and her family and friends. Appropriate for kids just getting into chapter books.

Lola loves soccer, has a little brother, and her best friend is a boy.

[Great Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Lola Levine in this first book in a series. When a recess soccer game gets too competitive and her classmates begin calling her Mean Lola Levine, Lola’s parents and her best friend Josh help turn the situation around.
Reviewer 1

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much I love about this character and her family! The friendship dynamics ring true but the "like" liking of boys and girls in K and Grade 2 doesn't. These part of the stories are off putting for me. The rest? Fantastic.

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really excited for this new series.
With a great cast of characters and kid appeal, this series should be a hit with kids who are ready for chapters.