Esparanza is the cherished only child of a wealthy Mexican land owner. She is excitedly anticipating a lavish birthday party and serenade by her father when tragedy strikes and her father is killed by bandits while traveling. Greedy uncles steal away all of her father's riches, leaving Esparanza and her mother no choice but to escape in the night, cross the border of Mexico into California, and work as migrant laborers in the fields. It is the Great Depression and opportunities are scarce. The work is hard and unfamiliar to Esparanza. Can Esparanza do as her Abuelita instructed? Can she be like the phoenix rising again with a new life in California?