I really enjoyed the narrative of how you can feel behind learning a language, especially one from your culture and that the majority of your family speaks. 

Santi's insecurity and nervousness with Spanish (or more so his "gringo" accent) will be so relatable to those learning a second language or feeling left out on something people think they should know.

I also LOVE that the story didn't gaslight Santi.

the grandmother acknowledged how her comments in jest really hurt him. another story may have downplayed this, but the author gets it. that would truly hurt someone, kid or not.

The narrative understands his feelings and acknowledges when he was wrong as well.