Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme

By: Monica Brown

Narrated by: Maria Liatis

When new classmate Bella, a ballet dancer, walks into Lola's class at Northland Elementary, all Lola can see is pink everywhere--pink ribbons, a pink sweatshirt, and pink tennis shoes. Yuck! Pink is Lola's least favorite color. Plus, Ballet isn't nearly as hard as soccer, is it?
Lola and Bella can't seem to stop squabbling. But when a mishap during class lands them in Principal Blot's office, Lola's mom comes up with a scheme--a ballet scheme--that just might make these classroom rivals realize that ballerinas and soccer players have more in common than they ever thought possible.
But is it too late for Lola to make a new friend?

Critic reviews

"Readers already familiar with Lola will be happy for a return visit, while newcomers--like Bella--will learn to appreciate her vim and charm."—Booklist Online

Praise for Lola Levine Is Not Mean!:* "Brown introduces a smart, young protagonist with a multicultural background in this series opener for chapter-book readers. Celebrate a truly accepting multicultural character."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"If you've never had a best friend, Lola Levine will undoubtably become your first. Her appeal is boundless."—Rita Williams-Garcia, Coretta Scott King Author Award winner for One Crazy Summer

"Lola Levine is a joy, and even though she stops goals at soccer games, she could never stop readers from smiling as they eagerly wait for her next adventure."—Diana López, author of Confetti Girl andAsk My Mood Ring How I Feel

"Readers will cheer as Lola balances her troubles at school with the same smart skills that she uses to dominate the soccer field. A lovely bicultural character--and her richly drawn group of peers--promises a cherished new series."—Meg Medina, Pura Belpré winner for Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass

"This first entry in a smartly crafted new series introduces Lola, best friend Josh Blot, and her family. The appealing protagonist is energetic and enthusiastic [and] with as much about family and friends as about sports, this chapter book should have broad appeal." —Booklist

"Beginning chapter book readers will enjoy Lola's spunk and humor. A good choice for chapter book collections."—School Library Journal