The Tequila Worm

Canales, V. (2005). The tequila worm. NY: Wendy Lamb Books/Random House.  The main character Sofia is a Mexican American who lives in a Mexican community in Texas.  From a very young age, she dreams of  making more money and rising above the economically poor conditions in which she lives.  Throughout the story, she struggles to convince her parents and extended family that attending the prestigious Saint Luke's Episcopal School (private school) would be beneficial to her and help her achieve her goal.  Her family is afraid she will lose touch with her Mexican community. When she finally attended the school, she met and befriended several students from different backgrounds but faced discrimination from one particular girl. In the end, Sofia triumphed and was very successful in school. Also from her experience she learned to accept, appreciate and love her heritage.  I think this is a great book for students ages 10 to 13. This book would be valuable for teachers attempting to promote cultural awareness not only for Mexican Americans, but it teaches children to be proud of their own unique heritage. This book also  addresses one of Havighurst's developmental tasks. Not only did Sofia have to get along with her new friends at her new school, but her relationship with her cousin (best friend) was also changing. As they grew older, their interests began to change affecting their relationship.