Lola and the Troll

4.3

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Author(s)

Connie Schultz

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Sandy Rodríguez

Publisher

Razorbill

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

February 06, 2024

ISBN

978-0593527634

Buy This Book

A debut picture book by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Connie Schultz, about a young girl named Lola who decides to be brave and stand up to a bully.

Lola is a happy kid who loves recess and her imaginary dog, Tank. There’s just one problem: the neighborhood bully. He hides behind a troll costume and says mean things to everyone who walks by, including Lola. Soon she starts wearing her hair differently, walking on her tippy toes to add a few extra inches to her height, and even putting cornstarch in her shoes because he said her feet stink! But when Lola’s mom takes her to her favorite place, The Bee’s Sneeze bookstore, the owner, Ms. Sneesby, reminds Lola that she LOVES her curly hair, her bright smile, and her big eyes. And most importantly, Ms. Sneesby reminds Lola that she is brave.

Lola and the Troll is about remembering how to be brave, even when it’s hard, and realizing that some-times all a bully really needs is a little kindness.

Editor review

1 review

Don't Let Trolls Change You

July 29, 2024

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Lola and the Troll is about a girl who is being bullied to the point she doesn’t recognize herself. There is a mean troll on her way to school and all the children are afraid of the troll and the mean signs he holds up. Lola takes everything written to heart and changes so much that she no longer looks or acts like herself. Then a compassionate adult takes the time to boost her confidence and she confronts the troll. The resolution comes quickly and easily when it turns out to be a new kid in disguise trying to get attention to make friends. The text on each page makes it well-suited for older children in the target age range. The problem Lola has is a common problem and it is nice that it gives the message to be yourself and that is enough. The solution is a bit simple to a complex issue and not every child who stands up for themselves may find such a quick and easy resolution. However, this text works well when talking about internet safety and how trolls online work to hide behind mean remarks and anonymity to spread bad feelings. The illustrations were engaging and complemented the text to show Lola’s attempts at change and her emotions. Overall, this book has a nice message about being yourself and not letting others dictate how you look and act.