Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan is a tale about Esperanza, who 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 her Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers.
Muñoz Ryan gives a voice to Mexican workers and their struggles in the 1930s. This is an excellent read because it shows a perspective that is too often disregarded.
Winner of multiple awards including the Pura Belpré Medal, Jane Addams Children's Book Award, ALA Top Ten Books for Young Adults, Américas Award Honor Book.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Great Depression, Homelessness & Poverty, Farm Life, Mexican and Mexican American Life