CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls (Too Small Tola, #2)

by Atinuke

CCBC Review:

Tola lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her big sister, Moji; older brother, Dapo; and Grandmommy, who takes care of them. The three chapter stories begin with “Tola Saves the Day,” in which Tola’s small size and persistence help her find an earring from Grandmommy’s favorite pair. In “Tola Takes Control,” Grandmommy is too sick to sell groundnuts under the bridge. When Tola insists she and Dapo take over the work, Dapo’s lack of effort frustrates her, but he has a surprise in store. In the title story, “Tola and the Three Fine Girls,” it’s Grandmommy with a surprise after Tola sees three girls whom she envies, respectively, for their nice clothes, car, and hairstyle. Grandmommy is having none of it. But Grandmommy also clearly loves and adores her grandchildren and offers Tola something money can’t buy when they get home. This funny, poignant chapter book for reading aloud or for newly independent readers is a follow-up to Too Small Tola. Like the original, it’s brimming with warmth as well as humor. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Onyinye Iwu

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-8
Age Range: PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7) Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format: Novel
Subjects: Economic Hardship and Poverty Grandmothers Humor Jealousy/Envy Nigerians and Nigerian Americans Siblings Work and Labor
Diversity subject: Black/African
On CCBC Booklist: Wisconsin Social Studies Standards: Suggested Books for K-5

Publisher: Candlewick
Publish Year: 2022
Pages: 88
ISBN: 9781536225174
CCBC Location: Fiction, Atinuke

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