
“I am poor, but I am rich. I have my children, I have a garden with roses, and I have my faith and the memories of those who have gone before me. What more is there?” ― Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising
This really is a great book. Esperanza lives with her family on their ranch in Mexico. They are wealthy and Esperanza has a good life. When tragedy strikes. Esperanza and her mother must escape to California where they settle in a Mexican farm labor camp. The depression is in full swing and Esperanza must navigate a world were she is expected to do hard physical labor, finances are extremely limited, and she is not accepted by those around her. Add in a farm labor strike and her mother’s illness, and Esperanza must rise above the situation she finds herself in. Everything depends on it. This book touches on many important themes and does it well. There is much to think about and the reminder that there is hope even during difficult times is a timely one.
Content Advisory: Racism, violence, bullying