Lola Reyes Is So Not Worried

Written by Cindy L. Rodriguez

Lola Reyes Is So Not Worried is a fabulous middle grade book that blends a variety of issues, including grief, anxiety, saying sorry, friendships and frenemies, with the cultural influences of Guatemala and magic added. The story begins in Guatemala, where Lola and her mother are celebrating the life of her father, who has passed away, with their extended families. While there she discovers some worry dolls in a case and decides to sneak them home to the U.S. Unbeknownst to her they have been cursed, and one night as Lola shares her fears with the worry dolls they come to life. What ensues is a fast paced, entertaining adventure, as Lola tries to recapture the worry dolls and figure out how to break the curse. My favorite part is how Lola has to learn to trust her mom and friends more and be brave enough to share her anxiety, and by doing so the anxiety (and the dolls!) shrink. It’s a great metaphor that teaches kids to speak up.

This is a great, relatable book that would appeal to a wide variety of kids, and I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by Rachel Whicker, Librarian, Arcadia Elementary
Review shared in May 2025
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades Grades 3-7

Lola Reyes Is So Not Worried
Written by Cindy L. Rodriguez
Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
279 pages
Release Date: September 17, 2024
ISBN: 9780063276819
A review copy was provided by the publisher.

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