homework turns out to be unnecessary for students to succeed in that subject, it's probably unnecessary everywhere. Along comes a new study, then, that focuses on the neighborhood where you'd be most likely to find a positive effect if one was there to be found: math and science homework in high school.
Esperanza and her mother settle in camp for Mexican farm workers. There are financial struggles, and they are also lacking acceptance. Mama gets sick and Esperanza has to rise against her circumstances to save her and Mama. There are terrible working conditions as well.