My Abuelita gave me this book when I was in 2nd grade, and since learning more about her father's upbringing I'm wondering how much of the story she saw in her own life. Esperanza leaves a wealthy home full of servants and parties and becomes just another campesina living in a worker's camp in Southern California. A highlight for me was reading about Esperanza, her mother, and their former maid Hortensia making an intimate connection with a stranger named Carmen on the train. Carmen is generous and happy: "I am poor, but I am rich. I have my children, I have a garden with roses, and I have my faith and the memories of those who have gone before me. What more is there?" By the end, Esperanza learns this lesson too– that her life full of material things may have made her happy before, but her simple life with people she cares about can be all the more fulfilling.