Stef Soto, Taco Queen

Tía Perla Makes Everyone Smell Like Jalapenos and Cooking Oil!

It is tempting to think Tía Perla is Estefania (Stef) Soto’s auntie, but she is really the family taco truck.  Stef is mortified each time her Papi shows up in the school parking lot for pick-up in Tía Perla.  Anyway, why can’t she just walk home by herself?  She’s in 7th grade not 1st grade! 

This charming and funny book had me wishing for extra cilantro and lime for my next carnitas taco.  It also has lots of great Spanish words sprinkled about, including my favorite word ever: Órale!  When the family business is threatened, Stef does battle by defending Tia Perla, onion smell and all!  Tia Perla may have been the embarrassing “family” member at the beginning of the story, but Stef learns to celebrate her identity and Tía Perla, the taco truck.  A charming middle school story.