Children\'s Literature the Young Adult

Children's Literature

The young adult novel Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan takes place during the American Great Depression and focuses on the struggle of Mexicans trying to make a living in the United States. The book is unique in that it takes a historical look at a current event, focusing on the cultural issues of the characters as they continue to look for what can only be a more promising future.

At the center of the book is the character of Esperanza Ortega, of who can best be described as a young and spoiled American girl. The book is a coming-of-age story of a girl who has everything but suddenly has nothing and is thus forced to start over again. In the book, Esperanza grows up as part of a wealthy Mexican family. But when her father is murdered and the family home is burned to the ground, the family chooses to flee to California where they begin the very different life of a migrant worker on a labor camp.

It is in California that Esperanza begins to experience difficulty with the reality that she is no longer wealthy and now must work towards the American Dream during a time when the Dream looks to have all but disappeared. As can be surmised by the book's title, the story shows Esperanza's rising from these ashes as she meets new friends and learns to let go of her past in order to concentrate on her future. However, in doing so, she better understands the true meaning of her past, as it is her families sayings and advice, such as her father telling her "don not ever be afraid to start over," that guide her.

Thus, the key to Esperanza's successful "rising" are the presence of strong adults that surround her in her life. From these positive adult role models, Esperanza is able to learn about her own strengths and discover that she is able to make it on her own and not be dependent on adults. For example, although her father is long dead, it is his ongoing advice that helps Esperanza deal with and, more importantly, overcome current dilemmas. Take for example a point where Esperanza is working her first independent job as a babysitter. Here, when things do not go right an she finds herself facing anguish and despair and about to give up, she hears the voice of her father who reminds her to, "wait a little while and the fruit will fall into your hand." Following her father's advice, things do turn around and Esperanza begins to succeed creating her own life of wealth- both in terms of family, friends and money.