What is the main problem in the story?

I think that the main problem is starting over. Esperanza and Mama lose everything - first Papa, then their home, and with it, their social status. When they arrive in the United States, they must start from the lowest possible class status and work their way up again. Before Esperanza leaves Mexico, Abuelita urges the young girl to embrace the process of starting over. There are numerous examples of Esperanza learning from her past mistakes, especially concerning her treatment of those poorer than herself. Over the course of the novel, Esperanza successfully starts over financially and socially, but she also makes major strides in her personal growth.