Taco Tuesdays: A Wish Novel

Gr 5 Up–It’s summer vacation in California, and 12-year-old Dulce Díaz wants to be at the beach, not helping at the family restaurant. Dulce is frustrated about the restaurant’s remodeling, but no one is listening to her. Julian DeMarco, also 12, has just moved to California from New York with his mom. He is frustrated with the move but neither of his food vlogger parents, who are trying to save their marriage, are listening to him either. Julian and Dulce have a meet-cute when Julian collides with Dulce, who is serving customers dressed as the “Taco Tuesdays” taco. It’s a rough start to friendship, but with the help of a cooking class, a connection (and a crush) develops. Julian and Dulce learn from each other, and together they find a creative, productive way to have their families listen to their ideas while supporting their values. Learning to be unique individuals with talents and abilities is positively explored within the context of family and community. The duo’s crush is sweet and age-appropriate. Interactions between the characters are constructive, and advocating for self and others is modeled.