When Esperanza's father is killed, she goes from a wealthy land-owner's daughter to a Mexican peasant in California. It is through many hardships and happy times in her new life that Esperanza discovers what it really means to be happy, and that having wealth does not make you a more valuable person.
AGE RANGE INTERMEDIATE
THEMES
Mexican
Racism
Class Divide
Coming of Age
Death
Farming
OVERALL RATING 9/10
I really enjoyed this book! The characters, morals, and plot were all wonderful, and it is written really beautifully. I love the way it teaches Mexican-American history in a subtle way. I have one small issue with it, though, which is that once in a while it is difficult to relate to Esperanza, because she has a life very different from most kids today. Esperanza is used to having servants, and has never done a chore in her life. I don't know how this could have been improved, I just think it breaks the reader's connection with the character.
PROS Heartfelt Represents Racism and Classism Happy Ending | Violence and Scariness 2/5 Character is killed, but it is not described. Strikers throw rocks at workers. Sex and Romance 0/5 Slight mention of romance, but basically nothing! |
CONS Very emotionally intense Esperanza isn't always relatable | Emotional Intensity 4/5 Every chapter or two there is another major emotional event. It seems like the disasters never end, and many characters come close to death. Drinking and Drugs 0/5 Not present. |