The Tequila Worm
By: Viola Canales
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Canales, V. (2005). The tequila worm. New York: Wendy Lamb
Books.
Summary
The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales tells the coming of age
story for Sophia, a Mexican American living in McAllen, Texas. Each chapter
takes us into another moment in Sophia’s life when she must decide the right
path to take. These chapters center on different Mexican-American traditions such
as The Day of the Dead and the traditional quincenera.
Sophia has always been told that she must learn to become a comadre, a person who helps make a
family. This is challenged when Sophia becomes the recipient of a full
scholarship to a boarding school in Austin, Texas. Sophia is finally granted
permission to attend the boarding school and thrives in her academics but
realizes that discrimination is all around. Sophia is turning into a young
adult when she arrives back home for her cousins quincenera. During this time a tragedy strikes and her father dies
of cancer. Sophia once again is tested with deciding what the best action is
for herself and for her family. By the end of the novel Sophia has not found a
perfect balance but returns back to her old neighborhood and begins to help put
the pieces of her cultures traditions back together and be that comadre that she has grown into.
Response
This short novel is a fantastic read for girls beginning in
grade 6 through high school. It will speak to not only Mexican-American girls
but to any female that identifies with two different cultures. It speaks to the
heart and acknowledges the struggles that many adolescents face when trying to
figure out who we really are. If you enjoy reading this novel also check out The House on Mango Street.
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