Esperanza Rising is the story of a privileged young Mexican girl, her servants, and their radical life change. Esperanza Ortega is the daughter of a wealthy ranch owner in Aguascalientes, Mexico. She means everything to her father, and he dies suddenly after being attacked by bandits. Her whole life changes instantly when her greedy uncles take over the ranch, burn it to the ground, and force Esperanza, her mother, and their servants out of the country when one of the uncles imposes marriage on Esperanza's mother. Alfonso and Hortensia, the servants, and their son, Miguel, take Esperanza and her mother to the United States, but they had to leave Abuelita behind due to an illness. Esperanza finds her place in a whole new world, one in which she must work to provide for her family. She is used to ordering people around, but now, she is equal to her former servants. When her mother falls ill with Valley Fever, Esperanza desperately longs for her to get well, and she eventually does. Secretly, Miguel goes back to Mexico to retrieve Abuelita many months after they fled. When the family is together again, so is Esperanza's heart.I thought this was a poignant story of major life changes, heartache, and new friendships. Esperanza embodies the idea that present circumstances are not set in stone for ever. I was saddened by the reasons for her life change, but I think she embraced them as best as she could. This would be an excellent reading choice for upper elementary and junior high students. I think the boys would like it, even though it features a female protagonist. It is especially indicative of the time period, and, while it is difficult to imagine, it tells a real story in a fictional way.
