Lola Levine likes writing in her diario, sipping her mom’s cafe con leche, eating her dad’s matzo ball soup, and playing soccer with her team, the Orange Smoothies. So what if she doesn’t always fit in?

Lola is fierce on the field, but when a soccer game during recess gets too competitive, she accidentally hurts her classmate Juan Gomez. Now everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine! Lola feels terrible, but with the help of her family, her super best friend, Josh Blot, and a little “pencil power,” she just might be able to turn it all around.

In this first book in a series, young readers will be inspired by Lola’s big heart and creative spirit as she learns to navigate the second grade in true Lola style!

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Praise

* "Brown introduces a smart, young protagonist with a multicultural background in this series opener for chapter-book readers. Celebrate a truly accepting multicultural character." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"If you've never had a best friend, Lola Levine will undoubtedly become your first. Her appeal is boundless." —Rita Williams-Garcia, Coretta Scott King Author Award winner for One Crazy Summer

"Lola Levine is a joy, and even though she stops goals at soccer games, she could never stop readers from smiling as they eagerly wait for her next adventure." —Diana López, author of Confetti Girl andAsk My Mood Ring How I Feel

"Readers will cheer as Lola balances her troubles at school with the same smart skills that she uses to dominate the soccer field. A lovely bicultural character--and her richly drawn group of peers--promises a cherished new series." —Meg Medina, Pura Belpré winner for Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass

"Lola's vivacious personality spills out over the pages. Domiguez's b&w spot illustrations are in step with the upbeat mood, and beyond the soccer theme of this book, Brown highlights Lola's blended heritage, love of animals, and interest in writing, introducing plenty of material to explore in future books." —Publishers Weekly

"This first entry in a smartly crafted new series introduces Lola, best friend Josh Blot, and her family. The appealing protagonist is energetic and enthusiastic [and] with as much about family and friends as about sports, this chapter book should have broad appeal." —Booklist

"Beginning chapter book readers will enjoy Lola's spunk and humor. A good choice for chapter book collections." —School Library Journal

"Lola's personality shines through here, with a vibrant first-person narration that matches her energetic spirit." —The Bulletin

"This book tackles common problems for young children using humor and good sense, resulting in peaceful solutions. Simple, expressive pictures are interspersed throughout, keeping the reader engaged. This first book in a proposed series is a great book for the beginning chapter book reader." —School Library Connection

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Praise