Book Reviewed by: Jonathan Rose

The Tequila Worm

By: Viola Canales

The Tequila Worm is about a girl named Sofia who comes from a family of storytellers and she has a best friend, Berta. Sofia wished to attend a boarding school in Texas and receives a scholarship to attend the school. Sofia’s mother, father, sister Lucy, and Berta travel to the school with her and leave gifts for Sofia to remind her of her home and her religion. At first, Sofia misses her family and her friend Berta and cries after she talks to them on the phone. She soon makes new friends and becomes busy with the daily school agenda. Her family delivers reminders of her home and family traditions. Sofia begins to feel less homesick.

I liked this story because it is realistic fiction and it has action and drama. My favorite part was when Sofia received her first wedding proposal from someone she just met. The story also has humor which makes it enjoyable to read. I also liked learning about the heritage and beliefs of the Mexican family, especially their belief that eating a Tequila worm will cure homesickness. I would recommend this book to a friend because of the action, adventure, drama and humor.

Jan. 2008