We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)
(3) Base Camp
Sure, there are a few Spanish words and phrases in Esperanza Rising, but don't let that scare you off—the author explains them all within the story. Plus, you might learn a little Spanish along the way. Not a bad deal.
The tough part of this novel isn't in the writing, but in the complicated ideas that Esperanza's journey forces us to consider. No matter how clear she is, Pam Muñoz Ryan throws us a curveball with these controversial topics.