Esperanza is the only child of a rich Mexican landowner in 1920s Mexico. She comes from the Spanish ruling class, characterized by a tall physique and pale skin. The novel covers the year between her 13th and 14th birthdays. When the story begins, Esperanza is enveloped in a life of privilege and wealth. She is treated like a little princess and has trouble relating to people who are beneath her social station.

When disaster strikes and her father is killed, Esperanza is forced to adapt to a drastic reversal of fortune. Initially, she resists the degrading experience of becoming a migrant worker and spends most of her time complaining about all she has lost. However, her love for her family is the guiding principle of her life and helps to transform her behavior. When her mother grows ill, Esperanza steps into an adult role and earns money to provide for them both. She proves she is resilient enough to weather any storm. By the end of the story, she has adjusted to life in the United States and regained her hope for a better future.