
Reach for this book when your child has been labeled as mean or aggressive following a playground accident or a competitive sports moment. It is perfect for the spirited, high-energy child who feels misunderstood after their enthusiasm leads to a social conflict. The story follows Lola, a biracial Jewish-Latina girl who accidentally injures a classmate during a soccer game and must navigate the resulting social fallout. Beyond the central conflict of social redemption, the book beautifully explores a unique interfaith and multicultural identity. At 112 pages with charming illustrations, this chapter book is highly accessible for early readers. It serves as a gentle guide for teaching children how to take responsibility for their actions, offer a sincere apology, and maintain their self-confidence even when they make mistakes.
The book deals with social bullying and labeling in a realistic, secular school setting. The conflict is handled directly through family dialogue and personal reflection. The resolution is hopeful and focuses on restorative justice rather than punishment.
An active, competitive 7-year-old who sometimes struggles with 'big feelings' during sports.
No specific scenes require prior vetting. The book can be read cold, though parents might want to discuss the difference between an accident and intentional harm. A parent might reach for this after their child comes home crying because classmates have excluded them, or after receiving a call from a teacher about a physical incident on the playground.
Seven-year-olds will focus on the 'mean' label and the soccer action. Nine-year-olds will better appreciate Lola's emotional journey and her use of writing as a tool for emotional processing.
Unlike many books about 'mean' kids, this one focuses on a well-intentioned child who makes a mistake. It also stands out for its seamless integration of Jewish and Latino traditions. """
Lola Levine is a second grader who loves soccer, her bicultural family (Peruvian and Jewish), and her best friend Josh. During a heated recess soccer match, Lola accidentally trips Juan Gomez, leading the other kids to brand her as mean. The story follows Lola as she deals with the guilt and social isolation that follows, eventually using her love of writing to craft a letter that helps mend the relationship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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