When young readers find a book that touches a nerve deep inside, the result can be life changing. From The Cat in the Hat to Jane Eyre , a good book makes a lasting impact. On Wednesday, September 26, a great number of teenagers visited the Fontana Branch Library for a special visit with Viola Canales, the author of The Tequila Worm who discussed her life and talked about the story's main character Sofia, a young girl who grows up in the small rural town of McAllen, TX on the boarder of Mexico.

Through the book, readers are given an intimate glance into a Latin American family with close familial bonds, deep rooted customs and a reverence towards tradition. They also learn about courage in the face of adversity as Sofia is given a scholarship to a prep school in Austin and must leave the comfort of her small town.

Those who are unfamiliar with the book may be able to anticipate Sofia's future simply by learning more about Ms. Canales. The author also grew up in McAllen and then, like Sofia, attended St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin on a scholarship.

Canales later graduated from Harvard College and Harvard School of Law. She went on to many great achievements including serving as an officer in the United States Army where she specialized in Air Defense and worked with Patriot and HAWK missile systems. Canales has worked as a litigation lawyer, served as a Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles and in 1994 was appointed by then President Bill Clinton to oversee economic and entrepreneurial development programs in several southwestern states. She also serves as the Vice President of Emerging Markets for TEC, International, the largest organization of CEO's in the world. In 2006, she won the highly esteemed Pura Belpré Award and the PEN USA Children's Literature Award for The Tequila Worm.

Before the author arrived, the teens were given the opportunity to show their own self-expression by participating in an exclusive Open Studio event offered by the Art

Depot. The event was a huge success. The groups of teens were happy to wait in line to paint the paper maché masks in vibrant colors and create tissue paper orange blossoms -- a direct reference to the book.

"The kids loved the crafts! They all wanted to know if they could do it again and how they could get involved with the Open Studio," said Courtney Hodnick, community services coordinator for the Art Depot.

With paint on their hands and smiles on their faces, they all gathered to hear Canales discuss her book.

As she has said, "I write because I need to: I was raised on the Texas-Mexico border in a barrio always bubbling with people telling stories on porches during long summer evenings or around tables after enjoying home cooked meals. I came to believe that the imagination and creativity were as important as food and water."

Canales read a passage from her book, answered questions from the crowd and signed

dozens of copies of The Tequila Worm. The busy question and answer period included a wide array of youth asking Canales about her personal life and about the book. With such an incredible story and the direct interface with the author, most of the participants will never forget this special woman, her character Sofia, the Fontana Branch Library, or the Art Depot's Open Studio.

The Art Depot is located at 16822 Spring Street and offers classes in drawing and painting all year long. It is also well known for bringing artists directly to residents through the Artist Showcase. Latin Expressions, featuring Roger Triviños will begin in October with a visit from the artist for the Artist Showcase and Family Art Day on Saturday, October 13 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The free Open Studio which features a new lesson and activity is open to the public every Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

To find out more or to check out The Tequila Worm or any of the other books written by Viola Canales, please contact the Fontana Branch Library at (909) 822-8330 or visit 16860 Valencia at Nuevo. Teen programming is offered every Monday evening at 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Art Depot or any of its programs please call (909) 428-4556 or visit 16822 Spring Street.