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Too Small Tola Gets Tough (Too Small Tola, #3)
CCBC Review:
In this third installment about Tola’s life with her siblings and Grandmommy in Lagos, Nigeria, Tola’s community navigates the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first chapter, Tola (Black) has a breakthrough realization: “Multiplication and division are the same! … But backward!” The next morning, a lockdown is implemented to slow the spread of a new “killer illness.” Tola’s sister will stay with her teacher, who has a computer she can use for her studies; her brother will stay with his boss, so he can continue to work; Tola will stay with Grandmommy. In chapter two, Tola watches their food supplies diminish day by day. Fortunately, their neighbor finds Tola a job as a housegirl for Mr. and Mrs. Diamond, a wealthy celebrity couple. Though it’s a difficult transition, Tola quickly establishes herself as a hard worker. In the final chapter, Tola’s newfound math skills come into play when she exposes the diesel fuel provider’s practice of overcharging the Diamond household. The Diamonds give Tola a cash bonus for her good work, and she can return home with Grandmommy, giving the story a hopeful ending after a series of realistic challenges. Atinuke pens captivating stories with emotional honesty, here tackling the impact of the pandemic and economic disparity while keeping the focus on Tola’s daily life. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Onyinye Iwu
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 7-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Economic Hardship and Poverty
Nigerians and Nigerian Americans
Pandemic
Problem-Solving
Work and Labor
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Publisher:
Candlewick
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 85
ISBN: 9781536229462
CCBC Location: Fiction, Atinuke