Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
“Esperanza Rising“, written by Pam Muñoz Ryan, is a powerful middle-grade novel set in California, United States. This story follows Esperanza, a young girl who must rebuild her life after her family moves from Mexico (quote: “The August sun promised a dry afternoon in Aguascalientes, Mexico.”) to work in California’s fields during the Great Depression.
Characters evolve over the course of the story, in farmworker camps, during harvest seasons, and through daily labour. The book highlights an important part of American history and California life, immigration and emigration. It’s an excellent pick for readers searching for middle-grade books set in the United States and Mexico, or stories that explore resilience and cultural identity.
