House on Mango Street is a coming-of-age story that shares one year in the life of Esperanza Cordero, a young Chicana struggling with questions of identity. Living in a Latinx neighborhood, Esperanza attempts to come to terms with her surroundings.

It was okay, some of the chapters were a bit weird and some were sad. Each chapter talked about a certain person in Esperanza's neighborhood struggling with different problems. Overall it was great not a bad book.

If you like reading, this book uses simple wording to convey powerful feelings and emotions, all of which I felt as I read it for myself both the first and second times through. This book teaches you that you always belong even if you don't feel like you do.

Jacqueline, 15

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This book is a real example of the Chican@ experience and its roots, with quips for days. The protagonist, Celaya, records three generations of her family history from her own memory and even interviews, some chapters interspersed with quotes from latin songs, icons, and wisdom.

This book held my attention for all of its 400+ pages with its compelling characters, amusing stories, and witticisms. It made me feel seen.

I would recommend this book to everybody with the caveat that it can be circular, full of little details, and may marginalize non-Latin@ or even non-Chican@/Mexican readers. It is peppered with Spanish that is not always explained and assumes a familiarity with Mexican/American history.

Mya, 15

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Note: Only available in adult collection