BAKERSFIELD BESTSELLER at Russo's Books (2004-2006) Bakersfield's all-time bestselling and most honored children's author scores another winner with Esperanza Rising. Selected as the Winter '03-'04 One Book One Bakersfield Junior Title, this is the story of Esperanza, a young Mexican native of privilage, who after tragedy hits must immigrate to America. Set during the Great Depression, Esperanza's world changes overnight when she goes to work in the labor camps as an outsider in a new land. With hope and determination, however, Esperanza is determined to discover the American Dream. A multi-award winning book is ideal for 4th-6th graders, and is loosely based on the author's own grandmother's trek from Mexico to Kern County.