Esperanza Rising / Pam Munoz Ryan 262 p.

Pam Munoz Ryan writes about the young girl, of a wealthy Mexican family in Esperanza Rising. Esperanza is raised with the expectation of rising to her Mama's position of privilege and wealth.

She and her mother are forced off their lands and find themselves working with the migrant workers in Southern California. Harsh conditions face them as the Great Depression sweeps the land.

This may appeal to readers who enjoy stories about a characters with a strong family circle, strong work ethic, with moving descriptions of camp life that flow like smooth water in this engaging historical fiction.

Through the eyes of Esperanza, the reader experiences the Great Depression, the early union movement, work camp life of the vegetable pickers/packers, and a gentle romance.