Told in the first person this Bildungsroman starts with childlike impressions of home and family. Sofia’s impressions and narration matures as she grows into the milieu of her Mexican-American family and barrio in McAllen, Texas. In Sofia’s Rio Grande Valley neighborhood, the expectation is for her to become one of the comadres, someone who is part of the group of friends and relatives who help others members achieve their desires. You do not do this in isolation. She is expected to participate in helping others give birth to their goals, and in return they will help her hers.

These are character traits that are great aids to her when the scholarly Sofia wins a scholarship to a prestigious Episcopal prep school in far north Austin, Texas, two-hundred-eight-three miles, nine hours away from her home and friends by bus. And one of only three Tejanos among hundreds of upper class Anglo students.

It’s a marvelously inspiring work by Canales who lived the same experience. ( )

I enjoy this book a lot and maybe because I can relate with Sofia ( the main character in the book) growing up in a Latin American barrio is very different to how many others are raised. There are different, foods, clothes and even rules that we need to abide. Great read for upper elementary students. ( )

This book is a good read for upper elementary and middle school students. It helps them see the different life that a Mexican American goes thru when growing up in Texas. In The Tequila Worm, we read about Sofia's life and read about her growing up in a Mexican American barrio. With her life, you read about her struggles and also the ways she succeeds in life. This book is based on the author Viola Canales's life and I believe that is one of the reasons that help make this book such a great read for people.

RGG: A middle-grade House on Mango Street. A female protagonist makes a nice companion to Gary Soto's Baseball in April. The main character's description of her experience attending boarding school is heart felt, if not overly optimistic. The return of the character as an adult seems a bit forced. Readling Level: 10-14, FP: U-W.