Esperanza Rising (Scholastic Gold)

Pam Munoz Ryan's "Esperanza Rising" is a poignant historical novel that follows young Esperanza Ortega, whose idyllic life on a ranch in Mexico is abruptly upended by tragedy. Forced to flee to California with her mother, they face the harsh realities of migrant farm worker life during the Great Depression. The story explores themes of loss, resilience, social injustice, and the strength of family bonds as Esperanza learns to navigate a world vastly different from her privileged past. It's an excellent book for opening conversations about immigration, poverty, and historical events, suitable for middle-grade readers.