Ryan, P. (2002). Esperanza rising. New York: Scholastic, Inc. Historical fiction. Grades 6-9.

After the death of her father, Esperanza and her family are forced to flee their upper class life on a ranch in Mexico. To survive, the family finds work as farm laborers in California. Students will enjoy rooting for Esperanza and her family in this story set in 1930’s. Words in Spanish appeal to all students, but give ELL’s an opportunity to shine.
2002 Pura Belpre Award