Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan is about a young girl named Esperanza who lives a wealthy life in Mexico in the 1930s. All goes downhill after her father’s murder. Esperanza and her family flee to California with no money or supplies in hand. They manage to find agricultural work that pays very little. Esperanza is forced to adapt to all these changes and difficulties occurring in her life. From being one of the wealthiest families in her Mexican town to barely getting any food in California, will Esperanza be able to survive?
I would give this book three out of five stars. It had a very powerful story that was engaging to read. This is a good story to educate children about the discrimination Mexican people faced especially in the 1930s. It focuses on the importance of family and friends. I think this was a good read with a powerful story. I would recommend this book to anyone currently in or under seventh grade due to the use of simple and clear language.