Feb 28 - Mar 15, 2026
Wells Fargo Playhouse | For ages 8+


Smart and stubborn teenager Esperanza Ortega lives the life of a rich girl in 1920s Mexico wearing pretty clothes and attending private school. The day before her birthday tragedy strikes, setting a chain of events into motion that forever change her life. She and her family flee Mexico for the United States only to face new struggles as they start again during the Great Depression. This powerful story illuminates loss and shines a light on hard work and hope. One-Act, approx. 75 min.
  Did you Know? Esperanza is Spanish for hope. Author Pam Muñoz Ryan based the main character on her grandmother.

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Special Tie-In Programs

Presented by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Tortilla Lab: Cooking, Culture & Storytelling

Teens and preteens ages 10-18 will roll up their sleeves to make tortillas while diving into a fun, thoughtful conversation about the book "Esperanza Rising." As they learn hands on cooking skills together, they will share stories, ideas, and laughs while exploring culture through a traditional Mexican recipe.
Allegra Westbrook - Tues, Mar 10, 5:30-6:30 PM

SustainabiliTEEN: Seeds of Change

Teens and preteens ages 10-18 will be making upcycled planters and decorating those planters with words that symbolize what they aspire to in the future. Materials and refreshments will be provided at this program.
South Boulevard - Fri, Mar 20, 2-3 PM

Meet the Cast

Lucca Amortegui
Lucca Amortegui Esperanza
Isabel Gonzalez
Isabel Gonzalez Mama
Melissa Mendez
Melissa Mendez Abuelita
Hortensia
Julio Hernandez
Julio Hernandez Miguel
Carlos Luis Nieto
Carlos Luis Nieto Papa/Alfonso
Melissa Lozada
Melissa Lozada Marta
Isabella Echevarria
Isabella Echevarria Isabel
Esperanza Rising
Esperanza Rising

Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios with Original Music and Song by Dinorah Márquez | Based on the book ESPERANZA RISING | by Pam Muñoz Ryan, © 2001. All Rights Reserved. | By special arrangement with Gurman Agency LLC | Winner of the Pura Belpré Award

Special Activities

Super Saturday
Sat, Mar 14 - All Day
It's 3.14, Pi Day! The Library will present various Pi-themed programs inside and outside ImaginOn. Get Details.

Links & Resources

Join us for family-friendly fun in Uptown Charlotte at ImaginOn.