I am always looking for new books for young readers, so when I came upon a new series, I decided to give it a whirl. LAST-BUT-NOT-LEAST LOLA (Boyds Mills Press) by Westport author, Christine Pakkala, has two books to date — Going Green and Wild Chicken, with two releases on the way, LAST-BUT-NOT-LEAST LOLA and The Cupcake Queens (9/15) and LAST-BUT-NOT-LEAST LOLA and a Knot the Size of Texas (9/16). 
As a high school teacher, I am familiar with much of the recommended literature for students in grades nine through twelve, and my middle school experience has left me with a few book ideas in my ‘tween’ arsenal. As a parent of a toddler, I am always seeking suggestions for pre-school and elementary level books. Pakkala’s Lola titles are those I’d highly recommend for elementary readers. She’s also penned a stand-alone middle grade fiction title, Jasmine and Maddie, which has an anti-bullying theme and is appropriate for ages 9-12, grades 4-7.
The main character, Lola, is an average kid with a not so average problem of having a “Z” as the first letter of her last name. That being said, Lola suffers through all sorts of alphabetical mishaps — including her ideas being stolen by those in her class. Stolen, of course, because those students have the benefit of being called on before Lola. Lola has a hilarious voice and I found myself laughing out loud at her comments and interactions with her fellow classmates. It’s a voice very genuine to a child, with humor that is silly and lighthearted. One of the things I loved most about LAST-BUT-NOT-LEAST LOLA Going Green was the believable voices of the children and teacher in Lola’s classroom. The funny questions, the teacher’s reserved responses, and the childrens’ reactions were all so vivid that these conversations could have played out in any elementary classroom.
Aside from the humorous content, I liked the idea that Lola was involved in a school project that involves the concept of, “Going Green.” The great thing about reading this with your child is that conversations can be sparked about saving energy and getting involved with home projects that benefit the earth. While Lola attempts a few unconventional ideas, such as getting cows to stop farting, she does embark on leading a class initiative involving composting. There are lots of other ideas about saving energy and resources, which is done in such a way that a young reader can understand and relate to. A topic like this could be challenging for an elementary school student to grasp, if it isn’t approached in the way that the Christine Pakkala does in Going Green.
A great topic intertwined with a great story is just what the author does with her launch Lola title. While Lola does lose and gain back a best friend, the reader learns not only about feeling jealous, having an annoying brother, and telling the truth, but also about responsible care for our planet. Another great aspect is that the book is part of a series. Series books are especially wonderful for reluctant readers, as they tend to become interested in a particular character, which is a great way to keep them reading. While this is a great independent reading book, I also think it would work well as a read-aloud for students who are approaching this level (ages 7-10, grades 2-5). Read-aloud books can always be a level or so higher than the student’s independent level. If the idea of going green is a topic you want to discuss at length with your child, reading the LAST-BUT-NOT-LEAST LOLA Going Green text aloud would be a great way to accomplish this.
The new year is approaching, so why not set some reading goals for you and your children? There’s nothing like having a wonderful adventure inside the pages of a great book.
For more information or to contact the author regarding school visits, go to www.christinepakkala.com.
I love reading your articles Keira! Keep them coming.