The Tequila Worm

Canales, V. (2005).  The Tequila Worm.  New York, NY:  Wendy Lamb Books.

Sophia, a valley girl, finds herself earning a scholarship to a good boarding school in Austin where she encounters many different types of people, a different religion, Episcopalian, and a majority of white students.  She was scared and lacked confidence mainly because of her lack of money and clothes, and she only knew her culture.  She earns the respect of her fairly well off roommate and others.  As a result of her move outside of her neighborhood, she learns to have a greater respect for herself, her culture and her community.  With an increase of her self esteem and confidence, she moves to California and visits her mother in McAllen and notices a change in her old neighborhood.  She sets up a plaza for the neighborhood to bring back the sense of community, and to never forget where you come from and be proud of it.  I liked the whole Rio Grande Valley part of this book.  As well as the being proud of who you are and where you come from.