Lola: A Ghost Story

By J. Torres

Book Overview

2020 Aesop Accolade Award

J. Torres and Elbert Or celebrate 10 years of Lola: A Ghost Story, the critically-acclaimed graphic novel that explores family, grief and Filipino folklore in an all-new edition that includes a revised ending and updated illustrations.

Jesse didn't really know his Lola (the Tagalog word for grandmother), but he remembers that she tried to drown him as a baby. Strange stories surround Lola: she had visions, she fought off monsters straight out of Filipino folklore, and, according to some, she may have even seen ghosts. Now Jesse is struggling with the same visions Lola had, but Lola's not around anymore, and the rest of his family are too tied up in their own personal demons to help. Personal demons that Lola might have helped with, if she were still alive. As Jesse explores his new abilities, he realizes that he might be the one who needs to step into that role--and that helping others might just help him, too.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1620106914
• ISBN13: 9781620106914
• Release Date: March 2020
• Publisher: Oni Press
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.0" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Jesse sees things too...

Jesse is going back to the Philippines, his parents' homeland, to help bury his grandmother, Lola. Everyone said Lola had supernatural powers, that she had visions and used the things she saw to help people. Jesse's not sure what to think of her, but he's worried that he might have inherited her powers. Because Jesse sees things too, even if nobody believes what he says. As the family grieves, can he use his own unique talents to help them heal? //Lola: A Ghost Story// is a novel about grief, about treasured family stories, and about the things people do for their families. Young Jesse doesn't know how to view his grandmother, and his internal struggles are both believable and realistic. The folklore woven through this story adds an intense richness, and the artwork renders the tale in flawless and terrifying beauty. The closure provided to a family tragedy is heartwarming even as the conclusion of the book lends an air of suspense. This short book is a worthy addition to the library of any avid graphic novel fan. Reviewed by Holly Scudero