After Miguel Guzman’s parents get divorced, Miguel’s mother moves from New York to Vermont with Miguel and his sister, Juanita, and invites her aunt from the Dominican Republic to come stay with them and help raise the children. It’s not an easy move because Miguel misses his father and New York, and there are no other Latino families in this small town in Vermont, making Miguel feel like he doesn’t fit in.

Tia Lola, the aunt (“tia” means “aunt” in Spanish), is an eccentric character, and she does not speak English, only Spanish, so she doesn’t seem like she fits in, either. Miguel struggles to cope with these changes in his life, but he ends up loving his eccentric aunt and is happy when she decides to stay with them permanently.

The series is by Julia Alvarez.

Books in the Series:

How Tia Lola Came to Visit Stay (2001)

After Miguel’s parents get divorced, Miguel’s mother moves from New York to Vermont with Miguel and his sister and invites her aunt from the Dominican Republic to come stay with them and help raise the children. Miguel struggles to cope with these changes in his life, but he ends up loving his eccentric aunt and is happy when she decides to stay with them permanently.

How Tia Lola Learned to Teach (2010)

Tia Lola is invited to teach Spanish lessons at the school Miguel and his sister attend.

How Tia Lola Saved the Summer (2011)

Another family, the Swords, is staying with Miguel’s family over the summer while trying to decide if they want to move to the area themselves. The arrangement is awkward, but Tia Lola has an idea that makes the summer more fun and exciting: she starts a private summer camp for Miguel, his sister, and the three girls in the Sword family with exciting activities that make this the best and most memorable summer they’ve ever had!

How Tia Lola Ended Up Starting Over (2011)

Tia Lola decides to open her own bed-and-breakfast in their Vermont town, but it looks like someone is trying to sabotage the project. Who is doing this and why?