(copy) Daniella's Dillemma 

This library features books created by students in Park West School Division. 

PWSD Digital Books

Text copyright 2021 by Emerson Nerbas All rights reserved. Inglis Publishing Inc. Box 30 Inglis, Canada All illustrations are the work of Emerson Nerbas and may not be reproduced, modified, or recreated.

They finally reached their new middle school. It was so cool! There were so many new people. Avery led the way into Ms. Silver’s class and Dani sat beside her at the front row. She tried to forget about the kitchen comment.

“That’s awful Dani! But some people just don’t understand other cultures. Is there a way you could change their point of view?” Daniella thought for a moment, then remembered the show and tell. “We are going to do a show and tell tomorrow! And we’re allowed to bring food. What if I brought some of our food and told them about the restaurant?” “That’s a great idea! But first, we’ll eat dinner,” said Papa gently. Daniella agreed.

“Tomorrow we’ll be having a show and tell! You can bring an object to pass around or a snack to share. I’ll see you all tomorrow!” Ms. Silver called as the children lined up in front of the door. But Daniella just sighed. She couldn’t wait to go back to the restaurant… but was that feeling wrong? Was helping out there really not cool?

She sprinted down the blocks just like the last day of school until she reached the glowing sign of the restaurant. The P in PLAYA was flickering. Daniella frowned. The door swung open and her Papa appeared. “Hello, Dani! Let’s drive home. I have a surprise.”&nbsp;

Daniella shot up from her seat in Mr. Evelyn’s class. It was the last day of school before summer break! She waved to her friends as everyone got up from their seats to go home. This was going to be the best summer ever!

This book is dedicated to the Inglis School kids.

Her papa sat at the main counter with a grin.&nbsp; “Hola Dani! Ready to help out?” Daniella nodded her head passionately and ran to the kitchen, waving to the other workers. This would be the first summer she would get to help all the time!

It was finally Daniella’s turn, and her stomach felt queasy from thinking about everyone else so much.&nbsp; “Hello, um, I’m Dani. This summer I got to help almost every day at my papa’s restaurant! It was so fun, and I got to have some of the food sometimes!” Ms. Silver smiled. “That sounds like fun!”&nbsp; But the other kids didn’t seem to think so. Even Avery was rolling her eyes.

Playa Grande - Playa means 'beach', and grande means 'big'. Together, they make Big Beach in Spanish!

Tamale- a tamale is a Mexican dish made of dough with meats, beans, and cheese steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf.

Churro- a churro is a popular Mexican dessert made of fried dough topped with cinnamon and sugar, kind of like a donut.

The next day rolled around with a big container of food in Dani’s hands. That day Daniella didn’t walk with Avery, but instead by herself. Avery had been mean to her anyway. When it was show and tell time, Daniella shot her hand up, smiling nervously. She set the container of tamales and churros down at Ms. Silver’s desk, and took a deep breath-

“Welcome, kids! We’re so glad to have you here at&nbsp; Brook Middle School. Can we start by introducing ourselves and saying what we did this summer?" One boy said he went to Hawaii. Another said they went to Disneyland. It seemed like everyone but Daniella had traveled or did something expensive.

Eventually, the summer had to end. It had been a popular spot, and there were even a few live musicians!&nbsp; “Don’t worry Daniella, you can still help on weekends. You were a great assistant, but you still have to learn! You’re 11 years old now,” her papa reminded her.

Nearly every day Daniella would help cook enchiladas and slice tomatoes, and every day she didn’t she would tell her friends all about it. “I don’t get how it’s so fun,” they would say sometimes. But Daniella just brushed it off. She would always love the restaurant.

They parked beside their house and walked inside. On the table was a big platter of Mexican food, ranging from churros to mole poblano to black beans. “Ta-da! I ordered food from our restaurant! We’ve been eating a lot of American foods lately so I thought we could switch it up. There’s lots for leftovers!” exclaimed Papa.&nbsp; “I can’t eat this, Papa!” cried Daniella and explained what had happened.

Later that day, a girl named Mae introduced herself to Dani shyly. She told her about how cool her restaurant was.&nbsp; “Do you want to come over after school?” Mae invited.&nbsp; “I’d love to!” answered Daniella.&nbsp; “Good,” replied Mae. “My mom cooks the best Chinese food!”

Daniella’s classmates' eyes lit up one by one. “This is DELICIOUS!” “Yum!” “Now I wish I had a restaurant!” It was a huge hit in Ms. Silver's class, and everyone couldn't stop thinking about it. Avery was presenting her craft project when someone asked Daniella another question about her food. She scowled.

Daniella is so excited to help at her Dad's restaurant during the summer. But will she always think it's cool when her friends are going on vacations and trips?

went Daniella’s feet against the cement as she ran to her papa's restaurant. In big, glowing letters the sign on the front read PLAYA GRANDE TACOS. She pushed open the door and the smell of spice wafted through the air.

“Yesterday when I said I helped my dad all summer at Playa Grande Tacos, some people teased me. So today, I brought some of the food we make to share. Maybe then you guys can understand. It can actually be fun to help to make it!” shared Daniella.&nbsp; She walked down the middle of the classroom, letting everyone grab something. Daniella waited nervously.

Daniella walked to school for the first day with her best friend. Avery boasted about how they went on a cruise ship to Mexico all summer. “I’ve been to Mexico to visit my family before two years ago,” Dani added. “Never on a cruise before though." Avery scoffed. “Too bad you were stuck inside a kitchen all summer…”&nbsp; Dani didn’t say anything for the rest of the walk.

The rest of the day went on without much happening. Avery hung out with the other rich kids, leaving Daniella alone. At lunch, somebody laughed at her tamales. Why did they find it funny? They were amazing! But feeling insecure, she vowed to bring a plain sandwich tomorrow.&nbsp;

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