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bookishrealm's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
Read for Booktubeathon 2017
This was definitely more than just a book about a taco truck and a girl. It was a coming of age story, a story about family, and a story about fighting for what you want the most in life and I loved that. I didn't realize that Stef would be so willing to give up so much in order to make sure her family was ok and happy. It was nice to see the blend between Spanish and English as well. I really enjoyed that aspect. If you're looking for a diverse middle grade read with a host of interesting characters I definitely would check this out. The only reason why this didn't get a full four stars from me is because of the fact that I think that part of the book about the pop star was unneeded. There really wasn't a solid conclusion to that character so I felt like there was a better way for Torres to introduce Stef coming clean.
Read for Booktubeathon 2017
This was definitely more than just a book about a taco truck and a girl. It was a coming of age story, a story about family, and a story about fighting for what you want the most in life and I loved that. I didn't realize that Stef would be so willing to give up so much in order to make sure her family was ok and happy. It was nice to see the blend between Spanish and English as well. I really enjoyed that aspect. If you're looking for a diverse middle grade read with a host of interesting characters I definitely would check this out. The only reason why this didn't get a full four stars from me is because of the fact that I think that part of the book about the pop star was unneeded. There really wasn't a solid conclusion to that character so I felt like there was a better way for Torres to introduce Stef coming clean.
hollyxbear's review
5.0
I loved every second. The main character's protective parents remind me a lot of my own and the premise of the story is just so fun!
karen_hallam's review
5.0
Tía Perla, the jewel of the family Soto –Not. Smelling of jalapenos and cooking oil that “clings to your hair and crawls under your fingernails.” The Tía Perla was fine when Estefania, “Stef” was younger, it meant corn chips and sodas for all her friends and being playground royalty. But she’s had enough of the truck taking over her life.
She’s in middle school now, and her parent’s drop her off with the taco truck. No one gets picked up by their parents anymore. Stef wants a little independence and not constantly associated with the taco truck and to walk alone to school. She’s been negotiating for months. Mami and Papi wouldn’t even think of leaving her alone, and once again, she’s scooped into another taco truck adventure with her Papi, picking up friends along the way, creating recipes, and bringing people together.
When Papi fires up his grill, the Banda music plays, and the mouth-watering flavors sizzle off the page. Lexi has mixed feeling about the Tía Perla. But she helps her father, while her mother works at the 24-hour grocery, and when he needs her to help him save the family business, Lexi must find her voice and she discovers just how much the taco truck means to her.
A heartwarming book that brings the strength of family, first-generation immigrants, and finding your voice together in this delightful middle grade, while also learning a little Spanish, but be warned: You will become unbearably hungry while reading this book!
She’s in middle school now, and her parent’s drop her off with the taco truck. No one gets picked up by their parents anymore. Stef wants a little independence and not constantly associated with the taco truck and to walk alone to school. She’s been negotiating for months. Mami and Papi wouldn’t even think of leaving her alone, and once again, she’s scooped into another taco truck adventure with her Papi, picking up friends along the way, creating recipes, and bringing people together.
When Papi fires up his grill, the Banda music plays, and the mouth-watering flavors sizzle off the page. Lexi has mixed feeling about the Tía Perla. But she helps her father, while her mother works at the 24-hour grocery, and when he needs her to help him save the family business, Lexi must find her voice and she discovers just how much the taco truck means to her.
A heartwarming book that brings the strength of family, first-generation immigrants, and finding your voice together in this delightful middle grade, while also learning a little Spanish, but be warned: You will become unbearably hungry while reading this book!
annagonzalez26's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
brandypainter's review
3.0
This is a short, quick MG read that any middle schooler experiencing the utter embarrassment of having parents will be able to relate with and understand. (So all of them.) Stef is starting to find many of the things her parents do humiliating to the point of not wanting them around when her friends are present anymore. Added to that is the frustration that they don't seem to understand her. This is a good add to libraries because it is a story of friendship, family, and school woes with a diverse cast. I love how there was so much Spanish included in it as well.
ayshaheather's review
5.0
From Kaz age 11-
It was a good book. It has a lot going on, but easy to follow. I liked the use of Spanish words. It’s short and sweet, even though it was short a lot happened, a concert, a dance. I liked that they didn’t really say where the book was set.
It was a good book. It has a lot going on, but easy to follow. I liked the use of Spanish words. It’s short and sweet, even though it was short a lot happened, a concert, a dance. I liked that they didn’t really say where the book was set.
thenextgenlibrarian's review
4.0
This book starts off as your typical girl-being-bullied looking for a happy ending type story, but becomes so much more. I love that it was chosen for the Bluebonnet list for Texas because a large population of our students can see themselves in the Soto family. Latinos and artists need to be represented in our libraries. This book will tug on your heartstrings, teach kids to be proud of their heritage and where they come from. Stef ended up being a girl more mature than most adults I know with a moral compass that pointed due north. Great debut novel!
noirbettie's review
5.0
This charming, realistic story captured my heart. Every character is three dimensional and delightful. Perfect!
thenextgenlib's review
4.0
This book starts off as your typical girl-being-bullied looking for a happy ending type story, but becomes so much more. I love that it was chosen for the Bluebonnet list for Texas because a large population of our students can see themselves in the Soto family. Latinos and artists need to be represented in our libraries. This book will tug on your heartstrings, teach kids to be proud of their heritage and where they come from. Stef ended up being a girl more mature than most adults I know with a moral compass that pointed due north. Great debut novel!
miszjeanie's review against another edition
5.0
Stef Soto, Taco Queen is real about the challenges some immigrant families face to make ends meet financially. Stef’s parents work hard — they worked hard to save for the food truck and to run it — as does Stef. Author Jennifer Torres also highlights other immigrant challenges. For example, Stef often has to translate important information for her father who isn’t confident about his English-speaking skills. Her parents are also extremely protective, fearing for their child in a new country, even though Stef is American.
I loved Stef Soto, Taco Queen and would highly recommend for food lovers, readers who enjoy books about the immigrant experience, and anyone whose parents have worked hard so they can pursue their dreams. Stef Soto, Taco Queen is an engaging, heartfelt, and delicious middle-grade novel. I’m excited to read what author Jennifer Torres writes next!
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/stef-soto-taco-queen-review/
I loved Stef Soto, Taco Queen and would highly recommend for food lovers, readers who enjoy books about the immigrant experience, and anyone whose parents have worked hard so they can pursue their dreams. Stef Soto, Taco Queen is an engaging, heartfelt, and delicious middle-grade novel. I’m excited to read what author Jennifer Torres writes next!
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/stef-soto-taco-queen-review/