Puerto Rican Poetry History considers José de Diego (1866-1921) the father of the modern Puerto Rican poetry movement, which is often focused on the struggle for both a personal identity and independence for the island nation. At the center of Almost a Woman, Esmeralda struggles to balance her Puerto Rican home life and her education in an American school. Poems by the following contemporary authors address many of the difficulties faced by a young Puerto Rican in New York City. Judith Ortiz Cofer Martin Espada Sandra Maria Esteves Essays + Interviews: Puerto Ricans in America | Puerto Rican Poetry | Esmeralda Santiago Essays + Interviews | Puerto Rico: A Timeline Memoir to Film | Story Synopsis | Cast + Credits Links + Bibliography | Teacher's Guide | The Forum Home | About The Series | The American Collection | The Archive Schedule & Season | Feature Library | eNewsletter | Book Club Learning Resources | Forum | Search | Shop | Feedback ©