88 pages 2 hours read

Viola Canales

The Tequila Worm

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2005

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics.

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-6

Reading Check

1. Who is Doña Clara?

2. What does Sofia put in her shirt pocket?

3. What does the big girl call Sofia at school?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why do Berta and Sofia start fighting on their way to church?

2. How does one make cascarones?

3. Why does Sofia’s mom think it is a bad idea to be a curandera for Halloween?

Paired Resource

Curanderas – Women Who Heal

  • This article from the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program provides a brief explanation of the history and actions of curanderas.
  • This resource connects to the theme of The Importance of Tradition and Culture.
  • How do Tía Belia’s actions in Chapter 5 connect to the traditional view of the curandera? How do her actions emphasize The Importance of Tradition and Culture?

Chapters 7-11

Reading Check

1. How far away is Saint Luke’s?

2. What song did Sofia’s parents dance to at their wedding?

3. For whom is Sofia the dama de honor?