Lola’s not pretty. Lola’s not popular. Lola wishes she could disappear … and then one day she does just that... For seventeen-year-old Lola Savullo, life is a struggle. Born to funky parents who are more in than she could ever be, Lola’s dream of becoming a writer makes her an outsider even in her own home. Bullied and despised, Lola still has the support of her best pal Charlie and Grandma Rose. Not only is she freakishly tall, Lola’s a big girl and when forced to wear a bathing suit at her summer job as a camp counselor, Lola’s only escape from deep embarrassment seems to be to literally vanish. Soon after, she discovers the roots of her new “ability”. Slowly, with Charlie’s help, Lola learns to control the new super power. The possibilities are endless. Yet power can be abused, too… Then, when tragedy strikes, Lola must summon her inner strength, both at home and at school. She has to stand up for herself, despite the temptations and possibilities of her newfound super power.
I am so picking this book up.
ReplyDeleteAh, thanks so much, Marlena :)
ReplyDeleteLola's story is told with sensitivity to anyone who has felt like an outcast, wished to be as pretty, popular, and confident as those around them. The teen years are defined by a need for learning who we truly are. We do this by the process of comparison. How do I measure up to everyone else, where do I fit in, why am I different, and perhaps most importantly, how do people see me? For some, the answer is clear. They see disgust in people's eyes. Ppeople turn away. Worst of all, they see the need that some people have to inflict pain. They conclude - if that is how people see me, then I'd rather not be seen at all. One can't help but be moved by Lola's literal expression of that commonly felt desire.
ReplyDeleteEven so, Lola's story is anything but depressing. In the first couple of pages, we see sparks of moxie as she lifts her chin and strides into the sunshine, hairy legs, bulging belly and all. There is a suggestion of inner strength, which Lola taps as her story progresses. Her strength is fortified by her relationship with her grandmother who accepts Lola unconditionally and provides the anchor she needs. That connection is even more poignant when seen in the light of Lola's immediate family - her pretty, petite mother, her slim, good-looking father, and her beauty-obsessed sister, none of whom know the real Lola. It isn't their fault. Lola has never trusted them enough to open up and reveal herself. Her grandmother offers the richest, most fulfilling relationship in Lola's life.