mariela

is a charismatic, easy going 5th grader who met Lotte on the first day of 2nd grade. The two girls have been inseparable since and depend on each other for laughs, student council races, book fairs and chorus. Mariela chooses bright colors for her school outfits and her amber hair falls down to her back to the top of her waist. She has tan skin, bright brown eyes and a striking smile. Mariela says she’ll follow Lotte till the end! Their friendship has been integral to Lotte’s healing and Mariela’s family is over to the house for dinner once a week. Mariela is Ecuadorian and grew up in Miami, Florida. The family moved to Sunrise when her father got a new job in marketing. She hopes to be a veterinarian some day and is the proud parent of two parakeets and three goldfish.