Don't worry about what others think
You don't always get what you want
Both of the narrators are hyphenated Americans (African and Mexican) who are working towards their goals and wants.
"There were big green apples as hard as knees."
Something you learn from what you are reading/watching.
"Everybody looked inside the car and asked where he got it....The seventh time around the alley we heard sirens....They put him in handcuffs..."
Esperanza is also starting to live the American Dream by working and making money to have a more successful life.
How does Esperanza (NOT HOMS) connect to the American Dream?
Esperanza is on the path to the American Dream because she has gotten a job so she can succeed in life (such as to pay her way through Catholic school).