Pam Munoz Ryan's Esperanza Rising (AR 6.0, Level 5.3) follows a resilient character during the time of the Great Depression. Esperanza, a child of privilege, learns about corruption and class disparity when her father dies in Mexico. Escaping from Mexico to Southern California, Esperanza and her mother must eke by, dependent upon the kindness of their former servants.

Esperanza must learn everything from scratch, much to her embarrassment. She continues to cling to her feelings of superiority, until her mother falls victim to a local illness. Confused and frightened, Esperanza must labor to provide for her sick mother despite a growing movement for labor equality by the Mexican immigrants.

This book is inspiring and thought-provoking. If you have an interest in historical fiction or if you are curious about the Mexican immigrant experience, this book is for you!