Here is a terrific book for readers probably ages 10 and above. Some high-ability readers for succeed with it sooner, but it's a little emotional for under second grade.

Pam Munoz Ryan's "Esperanza Rising" takes a rich, Mexican girl, a girl treated like a princess on her huge grape rancho in Mexico, and strips her of her riches, her family, and her pride.

She and her mother escape to the US after her father is killed. The only work they can get is in the migrant camps. Because the story is set during the 1930s, competition for jobs is fierce among the groups: the Okies, the Japanese, the Mexicans.

Esperanza can't believe she is expected to live in a tiny hut with so many people, wear old hand-me-downs, and change diapers!

After her mother falls ill, she must work even harder, side by side with the women in the camp.

She learns a lot about life and the importance of her family. Money begins to take a different priority when it means food, not new dresses. She begins to see her former servant, Miguel, in a new way that doesn't place her "on the other side of the river" that is Mexican society.

This is a well-written, emotional journey. I recommend it to American parents to read with their children, children who may think life is way too hard on them.