Chapter 1
New Party Shoes
Sofia loved her new party shoes. They were white with lots of sparkle.
They are very pretty, Sofias older sister Elena said.
, Sofias other sister Luisa agreed.
Put the said. They need to stay clean for the party tonight.
Tonight was their friend Lilianas . The whole family was going.
Sofia was excited about going to a quinceaera . It was her first one! And she was really excited about wearing her new shoes. That made the party extra special.
Mam , Elena, and Luisa left the room. Sofia planned to do what Mam said. But she couldnt wait until tonight.
I want to try them on one more time, Sofia decided.
She checked the hallway for Mam . The hall was empty. Sofia went back to the closet and opened the box.
, Sofia said. Just like my party dress. A perfect match!
Sofias party dress had a ruffled white skirt. It was pretty, but it was not new.
Elena had worn the party dress first. Luisa had worn it too. Only the party shoes were Sofias alone.
I want to show my cousins, Sofia thought. They are just across the backyard. Nothing will happen on such a short walk.
Sofia peeked into the hallway to check for Mam again. It was clear! Sofia tiptoed down the stairs and out the door.
Chapter 2
Purple Juice
There was grass in the backyards between Sofias house and her cousins house. She looked down at her shoes. They sparkled in the sunlight. Would the green grass stain her shoes?
Sofia didnt want to take the chance. She took the long way around, using the sidewalk.
When she saw a melting purple lollipop, she hopped over it. She carefully stepped past a muddy puddle. And she slowly backed away from her neighbors dog.
Sofia pointed at her feet. Sorry, Bruno. I cant have dog slobber on me today.
Sofia arrived at her cousins house with perfectly white shoes. Hector led her into the kitchen. Alonzo, Manuel, and baby Mariela were all drinking grape juice with Carmen.
! Sofia said. My new party shoes!
, Ta Carmen said.
! Sofia said.
Baby Mariela waved her cup and dropped it from her high chair. It rolled near Sofias feet.
The top on the baby cup kept the juice inside. Close call! Sofias shoes were safe!
Alonzo leaned over for Marielas cup. As he did, his arm bumped Manuels juice. That cup didnt have a lid. This time purple liquid spilled all over!
Sofia tried to jump out of the way. But it was too late.
! Ta Carmen said.
Im so sorry, Alonzo said.
Its not your fault, Sofia said. I should have listened to Mam .
Ta Carmen scrubbed and scrubbed the shoes. Then Sofia scrubbed and scrubbed the shoes. But it was no use. The purple would not come off.
Sofias new white party shoes were no longer white.
Chapter 3
The Party
Mam shook her head when she saw Sofias stained shoes. Youll have to wear them like this.
, Sofia said.
When it was time to go to the party, Elena and Luisa got into the backseat of the car. They were all dressed up and smiling.
Sofia was frowning. Her arms were folded.
Dont be grumpy, Mam said. You can still have a good time.
S , agreed. A quinceaera is a celebration.
At the church, Sofia cheered up. It was exciting to see Liliana in her beautiful quinceaera gown. The long dress was sky blue with glittering beads.
She looks like a princess! Sofia told Mam .
! Mam said. This is an important birthday for Liliana. She is fifteen years old.
Before the special waltz, Liliana sat in a fancy chair. Her father helped her change from flat shoes into high heels. Her shoes matched her blue dress exactly.
Sofia looked down at her own party shoes. With all the purple spots, they didnt match her white dress anymore. Sofia sat down and took off her shoes.
Oh, Sofia, Elena said. Its not that bad.
Join the party! Luisa added.
Everyone was dancing a lot, but it was uncomfortable dancing in fancy dress shoes.
One by one the girls took off their shoes, just like Sofia. By the end of the night, there was a huge pile of shoes.
Are these mine? Elena asked.
No, another girl said. Theyre mine.
All the shoes look alike! Luisa complained.
Not all of them! Sofia said. She grabbed hers with a huge smile. My shoes are easy to find!
And that was the perfect way to end Sofias first quinceaera.
Spanish Glossary
whiteof coursethey are very prettythank youMomlookDadtoo badcelebration of a girls fifteenth birthdayyesauntI knowshoes
Talk It Out
- Were you surprised Sofia wore her new shoes before the party? Why or why not?
- Do you think Sofia should have gotten in trouble for ruining her shoes? Why or why not?
- Talk about a time when you took a bad situation and turned it into a good situation.
Write It Down
- Pick three Spanish words from the story and use them in a short story.
- Write a card to Liliana congratulating her on her special day.
- Write about a time when you got something new. Be sure to include how you felt and why it was special.