Super Short Summary

In 1961, 13-year-old Esmeralda Santiago and her family relocate from Puerto Rico to Brooklyn, where she navigates the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and language. While dealing with the noise and chaos of a crowded apartment, Esmeralda's relationship with her mother, Mami, becomes central as they navigate their evolving roles. Encouraged by her teachers, Esmeralda attends Performing Arts High School and discovers her passion for acting and dancing. Throughout the memoir, she juggles work, community college, and relationships, ultimately faced with a pivotal choice between following her heart and staying loyal to her mother.