The House on Mango Street

Who it's for

Each vignette is a small, self-contained moment in Esperanza's year, so readers can dip in and reflect one short piece at a time.

Feelings it meets

• Coming of Age
• Class
• Identity
• Gender Expectations
• Cultural Identity

What it is

Sandra Cisneros's 1984 novel is told in 44 short vignettes, narrated in the first person by Esperanza Cordero, a 12-year-old Chicana girl living in a poor, mostly Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago. Across one year, she longs to escape her cramped house while watching the women around her, some trapped by poverty, rigid gender roles and abuse.

Where to find it

In print (Vintage); widely available from libraries (Libby/Hoopla, where held). Audiobook available. Not public domain.

Before you start

Heads up: Sexual assault and domestic abuse.

Age: Ages 12+

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet, “On Pain”