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interreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
A recommended 'best of children's fiction' read.
Thoroughly enjoyable read. Quite harrowing in places for children potentially. At times, reminded me of The Grapes of Wrath but with more 'hope'.
A story of a rich Mexican family brought down by the death of the father, Esperanza and her mother must escape the schemes of her uncles by fleeing to America and a hard life of field work. The story of how the rich girl copes with her new circumstances is a great read for children, with just enough hardship to keep them reading but not enough to upset.
The glossary of terms is useful and the regular references to the Mexican/Spanish culture and language makes this a very educational as well as entertaining read for 9-12 year olds.
Thoroughly enjoyable read. Quite harrowing in places for children potentially. At times, reminded me of The Grapes of Wrath but with more 'hope'.
A story of a rich Mexican family brought down by the death of the father, Esperanza and her mother must escape the schemes of her uncles by fleeing to America and a hard life of field work. The story of how the rich girl copes with her new circumstances is a great read for children, with just enough hardship to keep them reading but not enough to upset.
The glossary of terms is useful and the regular references to the Mexican/Spanish culture and language makes this a very educational as well as entertaining read for 9-12 year olds.
slushysands's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
theabee's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Another book I somehow never read as a kid. Such a beautiful coming of age story with an important history lesson of American and immigration history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Classism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Chronic illness and Violence
mmwood01's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gahvriela's review against another edition
5.0
Ever since I first picked it up in elementary school, I do a reread of this book every couple of years and I love it as much now as I did then. I consider it one of my favorite books.
omarrah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars and a ♥
Esperanza Ortega lives on a large ranch in Aguascalientes Mexico – El Rancho de las Rosas (Ranch of the Roses). Barely thirteen, she and her friends are sheltered and pampered, dressed in fine silks, and planning their quinceanera celebrations in two years’ time. But tragedy shatters her dreams. She and her family are forced to form a new dream in 1930’s California.
What I really love about this story is that Esperanza is a realistic 13-year-old. She’s very unhappy about the change. She finds it difficult to adapt to the new realities of her reduced circumstances, and is embarrassed that she is so ill-equipped to handle the work she’s expected to perform. She pouts and is rude to “those peasants.” Esperanza does finally realize that it is up to her to change her attitude; she must learn to let go of the past and to embrace that she is rich in the love of family and friends.
The audio book is performed by Trini Alvarado. Her narration is perfect. Her pacing is good, and she is able to alter her voice sufficiently to differentiate the characters. The last track on the audio is directly from the author, who was inspired to write this novel based on the real history of her family. Her grandmother was Esperanza Ortega. I couldn’t help but think of my own father and his travels with his father and brothers to Montana during the Great Depression, where they sheared sheep for 5 cents per sheep. Sometimes this was all the money they had to feed their families. My father was only 13 and his job was to keep the shears sharp. How I wish I had gotten more stories out of him, and out of my grandfather and uncles!
Esperanza Ortega lives on a large ranch in Aguascalientes Mexico – El Rancho de las Rosas (Ranch of the Roses). Barely thirteen, she and her friends are sheltered and pampered, dressed in fine silks, and planning their quinceanera celebrations in two years’ time. But tragedy shatters her dreams. She and her family are forced to form a new dream in 1930’s California.
What I really love about this story is that Esperanza is a realistic 13-year-old. She’s very unhappy about the change. She finds it difficult to adapt to the new realities of her reduced circumstances, and is embarrassed that she is so ill-equipped to handle the work she’s expected to perform. She pouts and is rude to “those peasants.” Esperanza does finally realize that it is up to her to change her attitude; she must learn to let go of the past and to embrace that she is rich in the love of family and friends.
The audio book is performed by Trini Alvarado. Her narration is perfect. Her pacing is good, and she is able to alter her voice sufficiently to differentiate the characters. The last track on the audio is directly from the author, who was inspired to write this novel based on the real history of her family. Her grandmother was Esperanza Ortega. I couldn’t help but think of my own father and his travels with his father and brothers to Montana during the Great Depression, where they sheared sheep for 5 cents per sheep. Sometimes this was all the money they had to feed their families. My father was only 13 and his job was to keep the shears sharp. How I wish I had gotten more stories out of him, and out of my grandfather and uncles!