The story takes place during Guatemala’s 36-year civil war, a period marked by political corruption and extreme violence.
A perilous trek from Guatemala through Mexico to the United States border.
Some middle and high school English teachers use Esperanza as a supplemental text for units on immigration or Central American history. They need the English translation to teach theme and character development without language barriers.
The story is set in Guatemala during the late 20th century, a period marked by civil unrest. The protagonist, Esperanza, is a young woman living in a rural village who dreams of a better life but is constrained by the socioeconomic barriers imposed on her family. The title serves a dual purpose: it is both the name of the protagonist (Esperanza) and the Spanish word for "Hope."
