This is a story where the female protagonist must change who she is and how she views the world and people around her in order for her to physically and emotionally survive in a new country. She struggles to understand death, family betrayal, prejudice, and humanity. The beauty of this book is that the author addresses deep topics in a simple language that is easy for middle school children to read. Since the setting is in Mexico and in the ranches of America, it is an excellent choice for Hispanic migrant students, yet the topics and writing style make it appealing to any YA reader. ( )

Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave a life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to work in the 1920s California labor camps. ( )

Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico--she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, & servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn't ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances--Mama's life and her own depend on it.

This was the touching tale of the transformations that we make in the face of adversity. Esperanza finds stregth in her spirt when her life as a rich landowner's daugter crumbles.

Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California, where they must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers on the eve of the Great Depression.