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Lola Levine #2
Drama Queen
Seven-year-old Lola Levine is "fierce" on and off the soccer field. She can do a slide tackle (although she's not supposed to) and even likes gooey worms. Nothing scares Lola! That is, until she's auditioning in front of EVERYONE for her class play. After Lola is overcome with stage fright, she's cast as Squirrel #2, a non-speaking part!
Lola is more than a little disappointed, and she looks to her "bubbe" for advice and comfort. But on opening night, the curtain rises and she finds herself smack in the middle of an "exasperating" turn of events.
In this fun and heartfelt chapter book, can Lola give Squirrel #2 her own special stamp and make it a play to remember?
Lola is more than a little disappointed, and she looks to her "bubbe" for advice and comfort. But on opening night, the curtain rises and she finds herself smack in the middle of an "exasperating" turn of events.
In this fun and heartfelt chapter book, can Lola give Squirrel #2 her own special stamp and make it a play to remember?
112 pages, Library Binding
First published January 6, 2015
15 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Monica Brown
85 books119 followersMonica 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 13, 2022
So many things to recommend this book and the Lola Levine series! In Lola, Monica Brown has not only created a unique character with strengths, quirks, and vulnerabilities -- but also shown the critical importance of supportive family and friends -- especially, in this book, Lola's Bubbe (Grandma) whose quick thinking and flair for drama save the day (and the play) for Lola and her classmates. Both of Lola's parents, her little brother and her grandmother are developed as individuals as well as members of a family with shared traits and cultures -- American Jewish on Lola's father's side, Peruvian Catholic on her mother's side.
Despite the fact that Lola is in second grade, I think this would be a great chapter book for many third graders -- so I hope the younger age of the characters would not put third graders off. Lola, her brother, and, in this book, her entire drama class, engage in witty rhyming word play that's perfect for engaging young readers while exercising and improving their language skills. Lola's mother also sets careful standards for appropriate linguistic behavior - for example, steering Lola away from the word "hate" when she means "dislike." I haven't read an enormous number of early chapter books (yet) but I'm finding these "a cut above" when it comes to thoughtfulness and care.
Despite the fact that Lola is in second grade, I think this would be a great chapter book for many third graders -- so I hope the younger age of the characters would not put third graders off. Lola, her brother, and, in this book, her entire drama class, engage in witty rhyming word play that's perfect for engaging young readers while exercising and improving their language skills. Lola's mother also sets careful standards for appropriate linguistic behavior - for example, steering Lola away from the word "hate" when she means "dislike." I haven't read an enormous number of early chapter books (yet) but I'm finding these "a cut above" when it comes to thoughtfulness and care.
March 12, 2016
Lola is my new favorite character for independent readers! She is smart, confident, and independent!
January 12, 2016
I really like the Lola Levine series. She is a fun, spunky character that is enjoyable to read about. I love that there is another good transitional chapter book series for kids.
March 4, 2016
I'm always on the hunt for more books to suggest to young readers and this one caught my eye because we have some dramatic people in our home lately. I am one of them, on occasion, but not as regal as I'd like to be. I wasn't prepared for the levels of interest that this author could bring to such a sweet little book. Lola is just 7-years old, has a pesky little brother with wildly curly hair, parents that are very different from each other and a gift for soccer. Lola is all about approaching life her own way and her parents are ready to encourage this - I loved the conversations they all had, particularly when they were encouraging her in her dramatic efforts as she was disappointingly cast as Squirrel #2.
Lola is in for a rough ride in her class play and you can't help but wish that her fortunes could possibly turn sunnier for her super quickly - she's the kind of kid you are rooting for but in the end it's all for the best, in the most positive way. There are lovely surprises in store for Lola before she takes the stage and it was such a delightful little visit in her world that I'm going to go back and read the first two - one where she tries ballet (is it as much fun as her sliding tackle, I wonder) and another where she is "not mean" which has hints of Ramona to me. So much fun. You should really grab this one, just 96 pages with light illustration and lots of good humour.
Lola is in for a rough ride in her class play and you can't help but wish that her fortunes could possibly turn sunnier for her super quickly - she's the kind of kid you are rooting for but in the end it's all for the best, in the most positive way. There are lovely surprises in store for Lola before she takes the stage and it was such a delightful little visit in her world that I'm going to go back and read the first two - one where she tries ballet (is it as much fun as her sliding tackle, I wonder) and another where she is "not mean" which has hints of Ramona to me. So much fun. You should really grab this one, just 96 pages with light illustration and lots of good humour.
November 6, 2016
Breezy, upbeat easy chapter book (88p.) with a tight plot, light humor, and diverse characters. Lola is bright, imaginative, and energetic and is a walking celebration of her Latina and Jewish heritage. Lola is a wordsmith so the writing is clever with a rich vocabulary. This is the second book in the Lola Levine series and solidly puts this with must-read 3rd grade books like Clementine and Judy Moody. Also LOVE the shout out to Dolores Huerte! Sí, se puede! "Shalom and buenas noches."
April 10, 2017
This should have been the series opener because readers learn a lot about Lola's personality and her relatives. Bubbe is a terrific character and a very supportive grandmother.
March 21, 2017
Fun and easy read; great for kids just starting with chapter books. Lola is a delightful character!
May 12, 2019
Lola Levine: Drama Queen is an engaging read about Lola Levine, a young, free-spirited girl. Lola is described by her family, friends, and teachers as a girl with high energy and enthusiasm, who is also smart and creative. When she begins drama class at her school she is excited about auditioning and landing a star role. However, Lola gets stage fright and doesn’t get the part she wants. Lola receives support from her family, especially her grandma Bubbe. At the end, Lola learns how to overcome her stage fright and use her personal strengths to shine in the school play.
Lola Levine teaches readers to embrace your strengths and be brave when things may be tough. The story also teaches us that family and friends will always be there for you for support. Brown’s use of figurative language and rich vocabulary engage the readers in the writing style. Readers will also be intrigued about Lola’s multicultural background. This series will be loved by students in 2nd-3rd grade. This book would be an appropriate class read aloud or book club text for readers beginning chapter books. Students will be engaged in the humor, characters, and the relatable story lines about school, family, little brothers, and friends.
Lola Levine teaches readers to embrace your strengths and be brave when things may be tough. The story also teaches us that family and friends will always be there for you for support. Brown’s use of figurative language and rich vocabulary engage the readers in the writing style. Readers will also be intrigued about Lola’s multicultural background. This series will be loved by students in 2nd-3rd grade. This book would be an appropriate class read aloud or book club text for readers beginning chapter books. Students will be engaged in the humor, characters, and the relatable story lines about school, family, little brothers, and friends.
January 1, 2017
Brown, Monica Drama Queen (Lola Levine #2), Illustrated by Dominguez, Angela. 88 pgs, Little Brown, 2016. $15.00. Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G
In this second book Lola gets to try out for a play! She is very excited and practices her audition, but when the time comes, she gets stage fright. She still gets a part, a squirrel with no talking lines. But when the day of the play comes her role gets an upgrade and she improvise if she is going to save the day. Features numerous illustrations.
Now this one should have been the first book, I really liked it! It was authentic, super funny, and interesting. Even the cover is more engaging. Students will love the humor and the fast-paced story. I would add this book to my library for sure!
EL (K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
In this second book Lola gets to try out for a play! She is very excited and practices her audition, but when the time comes, she gets stage fright. She still gets a part, a squirrel with no talking lines. But when the day of the play comes her role gets an upgrade and she improvise if she is going to save the day. Features numerous illustrations.
Now this one should have been the first book, I really liked it! It was authentic, super funny, and interesting. Even the cover is more engaging. Students will love the humor and the fast-paced story. I would add this book to my library for sure!
EL (K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
October 19, 2017
Lola Levine: Drama Queen was a very fun and easy read that would be most appropriate for 8 - 10 year olds. However, I too enjoyed it and know that I would enjoy this series if I was younger. Lola is a very innocent child who is quite quirky and often gets on the others nerves. However, Lola doesn't realize this so she just continues on. Lola is excited to have a new teacher, who will direct the children in the school play. Lola imagines herself as the star of the show, but when it is time for auditions Lola has a case of stage fright. She doesn't land the big role that she had dreamed of, but with advice & support from her grandmother she perseveres. In fact, Lola learns that no role is too small. A very sweet story that made me love Lola. This series by author Monica Brown gains inspiration from her own life as a Peruvian Jewish American.
September 17, 2017
This 2017-2018 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee is likely aimed at fans of Junie B. Jones and Amber Brown. Lola is a super high-energy, loud, friendly second grader who sometimes gets into trouble when the first two get a little out of hand. But she is also a loyal friend, a loving big sister and an all-around likable young girl. This particular Lola installment has her learning about performing on stage with a new drama teacher, trying to stay out of the path of a mean classmate and being a good friend and sister. Teachers and librarians looking to increase diversity in their libraries will appreciate Lola's Hispanic/Jewish heritage that is present but not thrust to the forefront of the plot. 2nd-4th graders will enjoy a good, if not memorable, book.
February 7, 2017
I love finding new spunky-girl bridge type books, and this is a good one to add to the list that I recommend to patrons. I'm looking forward to reading the others to see how they fit together as a series.
I think it will be a big hit with the target audience, but I will say that my critical voice wasn't always the happiest while I read it. I can't quite put my finger on why, though. Maybe the flow of the dialog? Maybe the wording of the thoughts in Lola's head? There was something that made me feel that the writing was a little forced at times - something that pulled me as a reader away from the story. I would give it a solid 3.5 stars, if halves were an option.
I think it will be a big hit with the target audience, but I will say that my critical voice wasn't always the happiest while I read it. I can't quite put my finger on why, though. Maybe the flow of the dialog? Maybe the wording of the thoughts in Lola's head? There was something that made me feel that the writing was a little forced at times - something that pulled me as a reader away from the story. I would give it a solid 3.5 stars, if halves were an option.
June 17, 2016
Lola is in second grade and she loves soccer. She has a rather loud voice and her best friend is Josh, the son of the school principal. When her class prepares to put on a play, Lola has some challenges. She struggles with stage fright during auditions and is therefore given the nonspeaking part of Squirrel #2. But everything doesn't go as planned and readers will discover that Lola is gifted with improv skills.
This book is perfect for readers ready for an easy chapter book. The plot moves quickly and the story is told in 8 chapter and a total of only around 90 pages.
This book is perfect for readers ready for an easy chapter book. The plot moves quickly and the story is told in 8 chapter and a total of only around 90 pages.
November 23, 2016
This was a solid choice for 3rd/4th graders and I liked how Lola came out on top in the end, but as with a lot of recent books targeted towards this age group that feature a precocious female lead, I think the humor would be lost on kids at certain points. I did like the seamless integration of cultures though
February 5, 2017
Being seven is a lot of hard work, especially when you're dramatic and loud. Lola Levine is doing the best she can, but she goes to school with some girls who are mean to her. Fortunately, she has a loving family, and a best friend named Josh. When the class gets a special teacher to help them put on a play, everything goes wrong. Fortunately, Lola saves the day...by being dramatic and loud!
December 31, 2016
Great early reader. In the same category as Junie B. Jones.
Bluebonnet 2017-18
Bluebonnet 2017-18
February 1, 2017
The more Lola Levine I read the more I love this spunky little soccer star!! These are great chapter books!
Read
February 27, 2023Fun series that I am reading with my 5-year old daughter.
July 11, 2021
Inspired by her Peruvian and Jewish heritage, Monica Brown has created a great readalike for fans of Ramona, Junie B, and Clementine. Lola is enthusiastic, energetic, and fearless on the soccer field so acting should be no problem, right? She spends weeks preparing a monologue from her hero Dolores Huerta whose motto is "Yes, we can." But it turns out Lola is "No she can't" when it comes to speaking on stage. This means she is assigned Squirrel #2 (a non-speaking role) while her Alyssa (her not-so-favorite classmate) gets to be the Queen of the Forest. Not to worry, Lola is determined to show everyone how dramatic she can be even while remaining silent. Then on opening night, Squirrel #1 gets sick and Lola has to take his lines. Will Lola be able to find her voice?
October 22, 2017
Lola Levine: Drama Queen, by Monica Brown, is the perfect series book for any beginning chapter book reader. Dolores (Lola) Esther Levine, the protagonist and second grade student, is dynamic, charming, and relatable. In this particular book in the series, Lola learns all about how to act from her drama teacher Ms. Tinkle, and a little bit about herself along the way. Young readers will instantly connect with Lola as she navigates peers that are not always nice, how to be brave, and how family is the constant support system that lifts you up. In addition to the plot, Brown has developed a multi-cultural character (and family) that will leave you wanting to read all of the books in the Lola Levine series. Lola Levine: Drama Queen is a great book to read independently, but also allows for plenty of academic extensions. This book is not to be missed by educators and emerging readers alike.
May 28, 2017
This book is about a little girl named Lola Levine who is in second grade, loves soccer and her best son is Josh, the school principal's son. Her class is preparing for a play in which she gets to try, but she has some challenges like struggling with stage fright during auditions and still getting a part in the play as a nonspeaking part of Squirrel #2. However, everything didn't work as planed and audience will discover that she possessed improving skills. This book is appropriate for children 5 to 8. The author is Monica brown who specialized in realistic fiction books based in her own bi-cultural experienced as a child.
June 9, 2017
This is my first Lola Levine book but I look forward to reading the rest in the series. Kids who are afraid to read chapter books will flock to this one and quickly request more. Loved Lola's spunky character, the not so obnoxious brother, Ben, and the supportive family including Grandma who is lovingly known as Bubbe. That's the only word that stumped me, because I gave it a totally different pronunciation! Glad my friend, who had used that endearment for her Grandma, set me straight or I would not have known how to keep a straight face! Great short read especially for 2nd-4th.
May 30, 2017
Such a cute book! I want to get copies for all my primary grade teachers to read aloud! Lola is a great heroine and has problems that are common to all children.
I enjoy that this book teaches vocabulary as well, as Lola learns something so does the reader. I am anxious to read other books in the series to see if they also have tidbits the reader can learn.
Great book, a wonderful addition to the early chapter books I can recommend to my young readers
I enjoy that this book teaches vocabulary as well, as Lola learns something so does the reader. I am anxious to read other books in the series to see if they also have tidbits the reader can learn.
Great book, a wonderful addition to the early chapter books I can recommend to my young readers
June 8, 2017
This is a cute beginning chapter book. It isn't as long as other chapter books and there are pictures sprinkled throughout so that helps students who are just starting out with chapter books. I loved that the family is multicultural and there are a few Spanish words throughout too so my students will be able to relate to it. All in all a fun little story and I am interested in reading more of this series.
August 6, 2017
Lola Levine is such a fun character!!! Written in first-person as well as letters to her diary, readers experience 7-year-old Lola's world. In this book, her class is putting on a play, and although she's very outspoken and loud the majority of the time, when it comes time to audition for the play, she gets stage fright. Her loving and supportive family help her through her disappointment, and let's just say...the show must go on! This is a great series for beginner chapter book readers.
June 2, 2019
A quirky second grader, Lola, starts a new class at school: Drama Class. Her class is doing a school play. Lola is so excited to try out that she creates a monologue of a very important person to her diverse culture of Peruvian and Jewish. But, Lola freezes and only gets the part of squirrel #2 without any lines. Through the drama class, auditions, and play practice, Lola learns the meaning of dramatic, deals with social issues with classmates, and shines with the help of family love.
April 10, 2018
In this okay book Lola Levine Drama Queen by Monica Brown, the main character is Lola. Lola's school is having a drama play. She wants to be in it but when there were auditions and when it was her turn she couldn't talk on the stage. She didn't got to be the one that she wanted to be because she couldn't talk in front of people.I wonder if Alyssa is going to let Mira and Ben be friends again?
April 30, 2019
The arc here didn't feel very tight, especially related to Ben. But the way Grandma Levine ties things together is really lovely.
I like Lola wanting to do a monologue that represents her, and I really appreciated seeing her have trouble at the audition and then come through in a small but important way in the play.
The improv scenes are so very believably young elementary.
I like Lola wanting to do a monologue that represents her, and I really appreciated seeing her have trouble at the audition and then come through in a small but important way in the play.
The improv scenes are so very believably young elementary.
April 28, 2017
I think my second and third graders are really going to enjoy these books! Lola is a strong character and enjoys her family. She doesn't always get what she wants and tries to make the best of difficult situations, even if she "Doesn't like it very much!"
June 18, 2017
I LOVE Lola Levine! She is so spunky, wiggly, and loud just like many second graders. I loved her affinity for words and how she likes to rhyme when she talks and writes. I love her unique family that whispers to the reader about diversity, family, and staying true to yourself. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews