Stef Soto, Taco Queen - by Jennifer Torres (Paperback)

About the Book

In this heartwarming debut novel, Stef Soto, a Mexican-American girl, hopes to break free from her overprotective parents and embarrassing reputation from her family's taco truck business. But she soon learns that family, friendship, and the taco truck are important and wonderful parts of her life.

Book Synopsis

A deliciously charming and heartwarming novel, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.

Tacos. Burritos. Guacamole. Estefania "Stef" Soto is itching to shake off the onion-and-cilantro embrace of Tia Perla, her family's taco truck. She wants nothing more than for Papi to get a normal job and for the taco truck to be a distant memory. Then maybe everyone at school will stop calling her the Taco Queen.

But when her family's livelihood is threatened, and it looks like her wish will finally come true, Stef surprises everyone (including herself) by becoming the truck's unlikely champion. In this fun and heartfelt novel, Stef will discover what matters most and ultimately embrace her identity, even if it includes old Tia Perla.

Review Quotes

"Stef's fresh, honest voice will resonate with a broad swath of readers, as will the relatable struggles she negotiates."--Publishers Weekly

"[An] engaging glimpse of food-truck culture through the Soto family's sacrifices, values, and hardships. Once readers get past the drama, they'll cheer for Stef Soto, her family, and Tia Perla."--Kirkus Reviews

"[A] well written novel about family and pride and would be a great addition to the library."--School Library Connection

"Spanish words and humorous banter pepper the dialogue, and the dual stories of the threatened family business and Stef's issues with classmates make a nice, age-appropriate balance that validates Stef's experience while pointing to a world beyond middle school politics. Readers will be happy to snack on this...."--The Bulletin

"The core of the story--friendship and the importance of family--wins out, leaving tweens with a satisfying, gentle read."--School Library Journal

"This cheery, relatable story features short and sweet chapters with plenty of Spanish words and phrases sprinkled in and a cheer-worthy main character in Stef, a happy, funny girl who adores art above all."--Booklist

"Young readers will feel a kinship with Stef as she struggles to spread her wings in this engaging and relatable middle-grade novel about growing up."--Horn Book

About the Author

Jennifer Torres is the author of Vega's Piece of the Sky; Stef Soto, Taco Queen; The Fresh New Face of Griselda; and other books for young readers. She writes stories about home, friendship, and unexpected courage inspired by her Mexican American heritage. Jennifer started her career as a newspaper reporter, and even though she writes fiction now, she hopes her stories still have some truth in them. She lives with her family in Southern California.