SOLVED. YA book from 1970s, Latina MC [s]

[Holly]

There was a series of at least 3 books that I read in the late 70s about a teenaged girl named Esperanza. Her name was incorporated in the titles. (I'm 100% positive this was her first name because when I had to choose a Spanish name for Spanish class, I chose that in honor of her) The books were not very long; I got them from my local library and they could have been published anytime in the 60s or 70s.

She lived in a city with her Abuela, I don't remember if she was an orphan, or just had sketchy parents. I don't remember which city, and I don't remember if she was of Mexican or of Puerto Rican heritage, but I do remember her making menudo with her grandmother to eat after church. There were money problems and other family problems, but I don't remember any there being any romance type plotlines. There may have been a cat?

The covers were that pastel brush work style of the 60/70s with images of the main character.

Any help is appreciated!!! Gracias!

[Melanti]

Who Cares about Espie Sanchez? perhaps?
(I didn't realize til now that it's a series.)

This is a VERY vauge memory since it's been at least 20 years since I've read it, but I recall (view spoiler)[She ended up having to do either volunteer work or community service for the police department. Her brother OD'd on drugs, and in the end, she helps the police get evidence against his dealer. (hide spoiler)]

The other two books are:
Who Needs Espie Sanchez?
This Is Espie Sanchez

Here's some Kirkus reviews that have plot details:
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...

[Holly]

YES!!! Those are the books!

I kept searching for them using her full first name, so I couldn't find them.

Thank you soooo much!

[Melanti]

Teamwork!

I'd remembered her as Espie Sanchez but it was your clue that her name was in the title that let me find the books so quickly.

[Holly]

Looking through the reviews, I've obviously blocked out quite a bit of the heavier topics! And I was sure it was a grandmother, not foster care. Ah well. Memory. I was probably in 6th grade when I read them; what I really remember is how vivid the setting was and how gutsy she was. They were also my first real introduction to Latino Culture. I've been thinking of this character on and off over the years, and I'm really glad to have her in my "read" folder where she belongs. :) So thanks again!