Esperanza Rising

Ryan P.M. (2000).  Esperanza Rising.  New York, NY:  Scholastic Inc.

The story begins introducing the characters in the story, especially Esperanza.  She is from a wealthy family inn Mexico, but after her father is killed, her life is turned around.  She and her mother escape from her evil uncles to America and she is now living in a labor camp and is a farm worker.  After dealing with her new role, her mother getting sick, possible strikes, and having to grow up quickly, she finally sees that thing will be all right. 

The language used helps the reader see and feel what Esperanza is going through.  One unexpected insight was her money getting stolen and finding out it was used to bring her grandmother to California to be with them.