Sofia comes from a family of storytellers. Here are her tales of growing up in the barrio, full of the magic and mystery of family traditions: making Easter
cascarones, celebrating
el Dia de los Muertos, preparing for
quincea–era, rejoicing in the Christmas
nacimiento, and curing homesickness by eating the tequila worm. When Sofia is singled out to receive a scholarship to an elite boarding school, she longs to explore life beyond the barrio, even though it means leaving her family to navigate a strange world of rich, privileged kids. It's a different
mundo, but one where Sofia's traditions take on new meaning and illuminate her path.
Viola Canales is the author of
Orange Candy Slices and Other Secret Tales (Arte Publico Press). She lives in Stanford, California.