The House on Mango Street Book Notes Summary

Across the street from Esperanza lives a man who worked very hard to bring his mother to the United States from Mexico. They call her Mamacita and she stays inside constantly. When she first arrives, Esperanza sees her fat body exit the taxicab in beautiful pink shoes. She speaks no English and cries constantly to return home. Her son repeatedly fights with her, informing her that they are now home and living in America. She must learn to speak English. She does not want to.