Stef Soto, Taco Queen

Tía Perla is Stef’s family food truck. Tía Perla reflects how Stef is her own antagonist, as well as highlights what Stef needs to do to overcome her self-doubt and identity struggles. Stef views herself poorly because she believes Tía Perla makes her uncool and different. For Stef, the truck is also the embodiment of her identity and how much she wishes she fit in better. At the outset of the novel, Stef’s family has owned Tía Perla for a few years. The fresh coat of paint the family gave the truck when they bought it is peeling away, and the Mexican food her dad cooks, coupled with his music, make Stef feel embarrassed to be seen with Tía Perla. As the story progresses, Tía Perla once again becomes a symbol of hope for Stef and her family. With the regulations threatening food trucks, Stef starts to remember how important Tía Perla used to be to her, which makes her see how important the truck still is to her family. Once Stef understands that Tía Perla is her dad’s equivalent to Stef’s beloved art supplies, Stef feels guilty for how she’s acted. She suddenly knows that her dad needs Tía Perla because the truck gives him purpose, and this results in Stef being willing to do whatever is necessary to keep Tía Perla on the road.