By Pam Muñoz Ryan
This Great Depression-era novel is based on the life of the author's own grandmother, who had to trade a privileged life in Mexico for a farm-worker's life in California. Esperanza, the main character, arrives in California with her mother after tragedy strikes their hacienda in Aguascalientes. They confront classism and racism as they begin a new life in a strange land. They also begin to learn about worker's rights and union organization.
(ISBN: 0-439-12041-1)
I love this book! It does such a good job of portraying migrant life and of exemplifying fortitude, if the protagonist is a little atypical. I haven't read Becoming Naomi Leon, but I've been waiting to read Muñoz Ryan's Dreamer. When I finally get it, I'll let you know what I think. Thanks!
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