Bumpy Oak Books

5 stars

Like the rose hips in Esperanza’s father’s garden, this book carries with it the memories and love of those who came before it. Pam Muñoz Ryan has achieved a novel based on stories told to her by her grandmother who is the original Esperanza Ortega.

Muñoz Ryan achieved a fictional recreation of what life was like for her grandmother in the form of our fictional Esperanza. The story told gives insight into a girl who was born into a life of privilege in Mexico, but through a series of unfortunate circumstances becomes a new immigrant to the United States. We witness Esperanza grow into a life of financial poverty, but spiritual wealth. The amount of growing up that Esperanza must do very quickly, and the difficulties that she has with that growth, is portrayed skillfully and in a way that is accessible.

Esperanza’s story is only one, but is representative of so many more. I am so grateful that Muñoz Ryan shared this story of “hope”, sealed by her powerful afterword.