June, 3, 2018
Hi Readers,
“Stef Soto, Taco Queen” is the second from the list of ten Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl books that I’ve read this summer. This is realistic fiction – it could have happened since animals aren’t talking and no one flies away on dragons – but it only happened in the mind of author Jennifer Torres. This story is a quiet and thoughtful vignette, told through the voice of a 13-year-old girl named Estefani or Stef, who learns to be proud of her family and the future they build together through love and hard work. It was a very quick read, since it is driven by dialogue and organized in short chapters. Stef’s parents moved to America to create a better life for their daughter. Mami is an assistant manager heading for a promotion and Papi drives a taco truck named Tia Perla. He and his comrades must fight for their right to sell from their trucks in the city. As the battle with the City Council wages on, Stef finds herself in charge of organizing a school fundraiser to earn money for the art department. Unfortunately, her deception may destroy the event.
I especially enjoyed watching the character development between Papi and Stef. She translates for him when necessary and he shows his devotion as he tries to let his little seventh grader grow up in a world that often frightens him. Positive relationships are key to this story, as is honesty and integrity among friends.
The taco truck becomes a character all to herself, as the author personifies her through descriptive language. Stef refers to the truck as a female and reminisces about her as if she is a true member of the family. My favorite element within the writing is the use of Spanish vocabulary in the dialogue. “Orale” is a common phrase, which can mean many things depending on the context. Stef often explains in her first person point of view what Papi means when he uses his native language.
I want to hear what you think about the Taco Queen. Please send your reviews to this email address, lester.kimberly@muscogee.k12.ga.us. I’ll print our work together so we may encourage others to read a great book. Don’t be afraid to write a review, even if you don’t care for this book. If you can back up your opinion with facts from the text, then I do not mind printing well-crafted and thoughtful negative reviews. Please don't ruin the ending.
Enjoy reading!!!
:) Dr. Lester