Poetry, Short Story

Taking real-life inspiration from her childhood on Mango Street, the author’s fictional narrative follows the life of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl living in impoverished Chicago with her parents and three young siblings. Beloved by readers of all ages, taught in elementary schools to universities worldwide, Sanda Cisnero’s short novel is told in a series of snapshots similar to a journal, with some heartbreaking, others heartwarming. It truly is a story of inventing yourself and how childhood shapes who we will one day become. Watch Esperenza Cordero grow before your eyes from a child to a fierce young adult. The author beautifully incorporates her own Latin American experiences into her story, alongside heartfelt poetry, the emotions of this book shine through.

Another author to explore is Robin Kimmerer. Combining her Indigenous worldview and culture as well as her scientific knowledge as a botanist, Robin Kimmerer works to educate readers on the beauty in nature surrounding us all. Through personal experiences and indigenous storytelling, Robin takes readers along a beautifully educational journey through stories of strawberries and squash, algae and salamanders, and the history of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

If you enjoy The House on Mango Street, Laura Esquivel’s best-selling novel Like Water For Chocolate, should certainly be your next pick! Tita is the youngest daughter of the De-Garza Family, prohibited from marriage and forced to take care of her mother until she dies as per Mexican tradition. In this story, Pedro, Tita’s truest love, is forced to marry her sister, Rosetta, in order to stay in her vicinity. Only in a freakish chain of tragedy, bad luck, and family turmoil, will Tita finally be reunited with the love of her life. Esquivel’s truly unique writing style makes this novel a real treat! Each chapter revolves around a recipe Tita, the main character, creates. With elements of magical realism and romance, you won’t be able to put this book down!