First published 2024
Lola loves recess and playing with Tank, her imaginary dog. But one thing makes her dread walking through the neighborhood: the bully in the troll costume. He lurks behind his mask and hurls cruel words at everyone who passes by. His taunts get under Lola's skin. She starts changing her hair to look different. She walks on her toes to seem taller. She even puts cornstarch in her shoes because he told her that her feet smell. When Lola's mom brings her to The Bee's Sneeze bookstore, the owner Ms. Sneesby sees what's happening. She reminds Lola of all the things that make her wonderful: her curly hair, her bright smile, her big eyes. Most importantly, Ms. Sneesby helps Lola remember that she has courage inside her. Armed with this reminder, Lola discovers that standing up to bullies takes bravery, and that sometimes what bullies need most is unexpected kindness.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, realistic-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, standing-up-to-bullies
Setting: The Bee's Sneeze
40 pages · Hardcover · Razorbill