Esperanza Rising

Author(s) Pam Munoz Ryan
Illustrator(s)
Age Group 8-12
Publisher Scholastic
ISBN 978-0439120425
Year 2002

Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico—she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home and 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.