How Tia Lola Came to (Visit) Stay

Published in 2001, Julia Alvarez’s How Tía Lola Came to (Visit) Stay is a children’s novel and the first book in the Tía Lola series. Ten-year-old Miguel’s life changes when his spirited and possibly magical great-aunt comes from the Dominican Republic to help his family in Vermont. As Tía Lola brightens their small town with her vibrant personality, Miguel learns to embrace his heritage. The novel won the Rhode Island Latino Books Award and explores themes of family, identity, and change.

Citations in this study guide refer to the paperback edition released by Random House in 2001.

Content Warning: The source material contains depictions of racism and bullying.

Plot Summary

Miguel Guzmán and his little sister, Juanita, lived in New York City before their parents divorced. During Christmas break, they move into a Vermont farmhouse with their mother and Mami invites her favorite aunt, Tía Lola, to visit them. Tía Lola is from the Dominican Republic and speaks only Spanish. When the children have trouble finding Tía Lola at the airport, Miguel must make an announcement in Spanish even though he is nervous and doesn’t like to speak Spanish. Tía Lola joyfully embraces the children and thanks them for their warm welcome.