I have to say, when I started reading Stef Soto, Taco queen I expected something light and silly – what I got instead was a heartfelt and poignant novel about family, love, responsibility, and growing up… Oh, and food. Oh my gosh, why am I reading so many food-related books lately? I seriously could not stop imagining all of the amazing Taco Truck goodness coming out of Tia Perla, and I wanted a homemade tortilla slathered in buttered so badly. It was sweet, sweet torture.
I loved that this story centered around Stef’s family’s taco truck, Tia Perla. In a way, the food truck quickly became its own character, with a personality and an important role to play in Stef’s life. Unlike in a lot of middle grade and YA fiction, I thought Stef’s parents were depicted perfectly – the love they had for Stef was obvious, and their quirks and personalities felt very true to life. I think we’ve all had that moment where we feel we’re old enough to do this or that and our parents still treat us like we’re children (because, of course, we are their children). It’s a frustrating time of growing up, and this novel captures that angst beautifully without overdoing the drama.
Basically, by the end of this book I came away with a whole host of warm fuzzy feelings. It’s a heartwarming tale that is perfect for anyone – young or old – who has ever had life throw a curveball at them that has changed everything about how they see the world.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars