How did Esperanza change over the course of the novel? Were these changes for the better or worse?

This is essentially a coming of age story which means Esperanza has to undergo change. Esperanza developed from a child, concerned with games and playground antics to her maturity physically, sexually and intellectually. Esperanza begins to show interest in the opposite sex. It is a time of discovery as well as bitter disillusion. At one point she is raped at a carnival. This obviously has a profound affect on her. Esperanza is certainly a dynamic character. I don't think we can label her changes as simply "bad" or "good". Her changes make her into the person she becomes. By the end of the story she matures into a self-realized woman who wants to help others on Mango Street.