Stef Soto, Taco Queen

The characters of Stef Soto: Taco Queen struggle with trust, particularly due to the pressures of both adolescence and outside prejudice. From the beginning of the book, Stef feels suffocated by her parents’ restrictions. She wants them to see her as mature and capable, and she is frustrated that they don’t allow her to have freedom and responsibility over her choices. The author’s discussion of trust highlights the importance of communication and connection in families, while also addressing the effect prejudice has on immigrant families.

When Stef learns about the Viviana Vega concert, she is determined to convince her parents that she’s mature and responsible enough to attend. To do this, she volunteers to help with tasks she wouldn’t normally do and goes out of her way to do additional things, like making breakfast. Despite her best efforts, Stef’s parents still forbid her from going to the concert. However, when Stef throws herself into tasks to help, such as insisting on attending the city council meeting, she shows her family that she will be there when it counts. Though Stef doesn’t realize it until the very end of the book, acting to help her family bolsters their trust in her and strengthens their relationship.