While Esperanza isn't a teenager in the strict sense of the word (the story likely takes place when she's in her early teens), she is going through the experiences and challenges that many teenagers face. These include:
* Yearning for independence and self-discovery: Esperanza longs to escape the limitations of her current life and dreams of a better future.
* Dealing with family dynamics: Esperanza has a complex relationship with her parents and siblings, and she struggles to find her place within her family.
* Navigating friendships and relationships: Esperanza makes friends with other girls in her neighborhood, but she also grapples with the complexities of female friendships and romantic relationships.
* Coming of age and finding her voice: Esperanza is learning about the world and discovering who she is as a young woman.
While there aren't any characters strictly defined as teenagers in "The House on Mango Street," Esperanza's experiences resonate deeply with those who have gone through the tumultuous years of adolescence.