Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

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Esperanza Rising
by Pam Munoz Ryan
(Audio)

I first heard about this book at a Harry Potter meetup where we talked about some of our favorite books. I stumbled upon it at the library and gave it a read--I am so glad that I did.

Esperanza is a young girl who lives on her father's ranch in Mexico. One day, her father (a wealthy landowner) is killed and her opportunistic uncles control the politics and bank in the town. When Esperanza's mother refuses to marry one of them, their farm and home "mysteriously" burn down. With few options, she and her mother and three of their closest servants escape across the border to California. Esperanza is not prepared for a life of hard labor at a camp for Mexican farm workers... or for her mother to get terribly ill. Suddenly, it's all up to her to keep the medical bills paid and the food on the table... and at the start of the book she doesn't even know how to sweep.

This was a wonderful book full of vibrant characters. The story could have been trite and predictable, but instead turned out to be heartwarming, dramatic, and inspiring. There were more than just the complications of going from upper class to working class--there was also the importance of taking care of family, of the debate regarding striking/unions, cultural prejudice, and more. I was surprised by some of the places the book went and I was moved by several scenes, especially ones that involved Esperanza and the last doll her father gave her before he died. Even when I saw the twists and turns coming, I still really enjoyed seeing it play out.

There was also a great afterward set of notes by the author, speaking about being inspired to write this story because of her grandmother, Esperanza. What a great way for the struggles and successes of her family to live forever in these pages. This was a short but beautiful story about a young girl finding potential and strength within herself. I highly recommend it.