“The fact remains, Esperanza, that you, for instance, have a better education than most people's children in this country. But no one is likely to recognize that or take the time to learn it. Americans see us as one big, brown group who are good for only manual labor. At this market, no one stares at us or treats us like outsiders or calls us 'dirty greasers.' My father says that Mr. Yakota is a very smart businessman. He is getting rich on other people's bad manners.”
Esperanza Rising is a poignant tale of resilience and growth. The story is narrated by Esperanza, a Mexican-American girl whose family's fortune is suddenly depleted during the economic turmoil of the 1930s. Forced to leave her privileged life behind, Esperanza and her family migrate to the United States, where they face the challenges of a new culture and a harsh economic climate. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. more
“I play by the rules even when there aren’t any.”