23) Esperanza Rising by Pam M. Ryan

Ryan, M. Pam. Esperanza Rising. Scholastic,  2002. 262 pages.  ISBN: 0-439-57617-2

Genre:/Subject  Realistic Fiction, Migration  
Ages: 11 and up


Plot: The story is set in the 1930s. A thirteen year old girl, named Esperanza, is a wealthy young Mexican girl who grew up on a ranch called El Rancho de las Rosas in Mexico.  On the ranch Esperanza is free to come and go as she pleases and to enjoy the rich life with loving parents, that is, until her father is killed by bandits at night. Esperanza’s mother and grandmother decide that they cannot work the ranch without a man, or the head of the family. This is when Esperanza’s uncles decide to take over the land, and that her mother, Ramona, should marry one of her uncles. Ramona refuses to marry her husband’s brother, and this is when fire is set to the mansion. Three women (Esperanza, her mother and grandmother) are stranded without anything or anywhere to live, since the mansion burned down. The only choice the family has is to leave Mexico and travel to California to work as agricultural workers. They leave behind the life of riches and enter into a life of loss, poverty, prejudice, and humiliation in their new life in California. Esperanza transforms from princess to a hard worker. Esperanza also becomes independent by working to take care of her sick mother.

Review: This book is a great multicultural book, because if focuses on the story of immigration, prejudice, and assimilation. A young girl becomes independent quickly, as the tables are turned on her life. What once was her family taking care of her needs, with the loss of a father, Esperanza becomes the caretaker, and the breadwinner. This book is emotional and a “hope” story. The book includes information on the Mexican Deportation Act and the prejudice to foreigners. The language of the text is very descriptive so it will provide a  clear picture of the events for readers—no illustrations are necessary.

Awards: Pura Belpre Award

Book-a-like: Of-Mice and Men by John Steinbeck