<Tr> <Th> LC Class </Th> <Td> PZ7. R9553 Es 2000 </Td> </Tr> <P> Esperanza Rising is a young adult historical fiction novel by Pam Muñoz Ryan . </P> <P> Esperanza Ortega was a very wealthy girl who could get anything she would desire, alongside a loving mother and father . One day, her father, and some of his men were suddenly killed by bandits while they were out working on the family's ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico . Esperanza's father had intended to leave everything to his wife, Ramona, and Esperanza . However, the family's lawyer informs them that a loophole in the will means that the ranch, their greatest source of income, will go to Señor Ortega's step brother, Luis Ortega, whom Esperanza calls Tío Luis . Luis just so happens to be a suspect in Señor Ortega's murder . He plans to dive into politics and feels that Ramona, who is a beloved local socialite, would look good by his side . Luis offers to marry Ramona but she refuses, and in response he issues a warning that Ramona and Esperanza will be in danger if she does not comply . </P> <P> Their ranch later burns during fire caused by Tío Luis and he returns and re-offers his wedding proposal . Ramona disruptively wants to say no but she says yes because she wants to spare everyone's life, under the condition that he rebuilds the mansion and sends her money and a wagon to visit her mother, Abuelita . Esperanza openly tells him she dislikes him, and he says the moment he becomes her stepfather, he will send her to a boarding school . Later on, Ramona tells Esperanza that she is not planning to marry him, and plans to escape to America . With the help of Abuelita, Alfonso, Miguel, and Hortensia (all servants for Esperanza), they trick Tío Luis to give Ramona money and necessities, and escape with the help of their loyal servants to cross the border . They leave Abuelita with her sisters because of her injured ankle . Abuelita promises to return to them after she heals . Despite what happened, Esperanza and her family must migrate to the United States . Unfortunately, they move during the Great Depression . Now, Esperanza learns to face conflicts and rise above them . Ramona and Esperanza live in a poor Mexican labor camp in Arvin, California with their former servants and their family . Ramona adjusts to a poor life, but Esperanza's attempts to hold on to her memories are laughed upon by the poor children, especially a migrant girl named Marta who was very rude to her . Many terrible things happen, but with help from Esperanza's family, she learns to face her challenges . </P>

Who lives on the ranch in esperanza rising