Esperanza has trouble learning English. She seems to go from one catastrophe to another because she mixes up the meanings of the words she hears. She has lost past jobs because of this, but she never gives up. When she is offered a position as head housekeeper at the Happy Valley Hospital, Esperanza is overjoyed, but the "double meaning curse" seems to follow her no matter what. Readers, young and old, will laugh at her mix-ups. Those who are also studying English will identify with Esperanza and learn a few more words along the way