Esperanza Rising

After some dense and somewhat heavy books Esperanza Rising, a well-received children's book about migrant workers, was a much quicker and lighter read that also tackled some difficult issues. The title character (based on the author's grandmother) is a young girl displaced from Mexico to California during the Depression, and having to adjust to the loss of wealth and family. This is a thoughtful, beautifully observed book for young readers that will help them understand some of the difficulties faced by immigrants.

Esperanza is put in a situation where her family must start over from their previous rich life. I am re-visiting this book all the way from elementary school! This was one of the books they would read out loud in class. I was surprised how much I actually remembered and now that i am an adult I can see all the details and talking points that were put into this book. This is a great book to talk about immigration and the complications that come with having to start over in a new country... plus a little extra!

Excellent book! It was fun to read this again after sooo long.
Be sure the read the touching author's note.

4.5 stars. Here's why I like middle-grade fiction so much right now – it has the power and ability to discuss complicated and heart-wrenching topics in an accessible yet direct fashion. You get to the heart of the matter without the neuroses of adulthood adding unnecessary complications.

Esperanza Rising is about a criolla in Mexico who had a privileged early childhood, only to face the hard truths of Mexican laborers and Mexicans in the U.S. There's a hard look at class and how we treat others we believe to be beneath us and there was a moment in the book that felt ruthless in addressing how we perceive the poor and the homeless, or at least ruthless to me.

A child who has known no other life other than a life of privilege is faced with having to overcome some harsh difficulties after a tragic event leaves her and her mom to fend for themselves. It is a story of tragedy, overcoming obstacles, and ultimately, appreciating what really should matter most – what one can and simply cannot live without. This book is written for 9-14 age range, but I would recommend it to all. The spoiled and entitled especially!

I read this book a few years ago it is a very interesting story about what people who immigrated to the US go through and all their struggles once they get here.