A coming-of-age novel about patriarchy, racism, social injustices and rape. Esperanza is a teenage girl living with her family in Chicago. In short episodes she tells the reader about her life, growing up on Mango Street in a poor Mexican-American community. Esperanza grows up, makes friends, falls in love and endures sexual assault. Through all of this, she uses the power of language to express her perspective, deal with her emotions and develop visions for her future.

The short and straightforward chapters and the childlike style of writing about serious topics make the novel accessible to pupils and young adults.

Novel · United States · 1984