Too Small Tola Gets Tough by Atinuke, Onyinye Iwu
Series: Too Small Tola #3
Published by Candlewick Press on March 21, 2023
ISBN: 1536229466
Pages: 96
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

In the third book of the series, the coronavirus has come to Lagos, Nigeria and is affecting Tola’s world. Ordinarily, Tola lives with Grandmommy, sister Moji, and brother Dapo, but because of lockdown Moji and Dapo are living elsewhere. Food is also scarce, so when Tola gets the opportunity to work at a fancy house where she will get enough to eat and earn some money to send back to Grandmommy, she swallows her fears, holds her head up high, and takes the job. This early chapter book is a gentle way to talk about how people in places other than the US dealt with the pandemic. It shows the sacrifice and hardship through the relatable character of Too Small Tola, who is like any kid anywhere; she loves school, particularly math, and wants to be safe with her family. Eventually, Tola’s math skills bring her recognition and a small income that will allow her to return home to her beloved Grandmommy. This series is a wonderful addition to any public or elementary library.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Baxter Memorial Library