Too Small Tola Gets Tough, written by Atinuke and illustrated by Onyinye Iwu. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2023. $21.99 ages 7 and up

 

"Too Small Tola is on lockdown in a 
run-down block of apartments in the 
city of Lagos. Grandmommy is with 
Tola. But Moji and Dapo are locked 
down somewhere else in the city."

In the first chapter of this three-chapter early years novel, readers learn that Tola and her family are doing very well now that Dapo has a job as a mechanic. Tola and her sister Moji are both able to attend school, Grandmommy can stay at home to care for the family, and they have food on the table every day. When neighbors start shouting about a lockdown, Grandmommy is off to see what is causing the fuss. 

There is a sickness coming, and soon there will be a lockdown. Very quickly everything changes for the family. Moji's teacher arrives to arrange for Moji to continue her studies. She will live with her teacher until the lockdown ends. It is the same for Dapo. His boss comes to take him to the garage where he will work to keep vehicles running in the coming time of need. Grandmommy and Tola are left to fend for themselves. 

As conditions worsen, and the availability of food and money becomes less and less, their friend Mr. Abdul offers a solution. He has a very rich customer in need of a house girl. By working there, Tola will get all the food she can eat and she will earn money for her Grandmommy. Of course, Tola is reluctant. 

She is also determined, capable and very smart. Her penchant for numbers finds a big problem in the household. It reveals that someone is stealing from her boss. Once the thief is caught, a reward ensures that Grandmommy will have what she needs for rent and food. It also means that Tola can return to the love and care of her grandmother - the only place she wants to be. 

This is the third book in a popular and welcome series. Atinuke shares the reality of the pandemic as it affects many, and the disparities felt between the rich and poor during forced quarantine. Tola is a pistol, a worthy protagonist. Her story is emotional, timely and leaves fans itching for a next visit with her and her family.