About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, financial hardship, or is beginning to notice the social and economic differences between people. It is a powerful tool for building empathy in children who have never wanted for anything, or for providing a mirror to those who are navigating the complexities of immigration and starting over. Esperanza, a young girl born into wealth in Mexico, finds her world shattered by tragedy and is forced to flee to a labor camp in California during the Great Depression. This beautifully written historical novel explores how dignity is found through hard work and how family bonds provide the ultimate safety net. While it deals with heavy themes like grief and discrimination, the message is one of profound hope and resilience. It is best suited for children ages 8 to 12 who are ready for nuanced discussions about social justice and emotional growth.
