MODULE 6: EZPERANZA RISING
Esperanza is the only
daughter of a wealthy family in Mexico, but after the revolution war ended, bandits
captured and killed her father while he’s working the on the family ranch. Esperanza’s uncles try to take over the
family ranch, and her mother has to agree to marry one of them to keep the
ranch. During this time, the family
plans their escape to the United States. Once there, the family has to start
life over, and Esperanza, only 13 years old, begins working in the fields to
help provide for her family, take care of her sick mother, and bring Abuelita
to live with them. Esperanza and her family struggle to make ends meet and
create a better life for themselves in the unfair working conditions in Mexico
and the United States. Through some twists and turns, Esperanza and her family
begin to turn life around, and she can see that life may have its struggles but
hard work and loyalty to family make a difference.
APA Reference of Book:
Ryan, P. M. (2010). Esperanza
rising. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt.
Impressions:
This storyline of this book is so far removed from anything I experienced growing up. While we struggled some as a family, we didn’t experience anything like this. Pam Munoz Ryan has a way of writing, though, that quickly draws her readers into the story. This poignant story of growing up in the 1930’s in Mexico and the US truly touched me and helped me relate to
This storyline of this book is so far removed from anything I experienced growing up. While we struggled some as a family, we didn’t experience anything like this. Pam Munoz Ryan has a way of writing, though, that quickly draws her readers into the story. This poignant story of growing up in the 1930’s in Mexico and the US truly touched me and helped me relate to
Professional Review:
"Gr 6-9-Ryan uses the experiences of her own Mexican grandmother as the basis for this compelling story of immigration and assimilation, not only to a new country but also into a different social class. Esperanza's expectation that her 13th birthday will be celebrated with all the material pleasures and folk elements of her previous years is shattered when her father is murdered by bandits. His powerful stepbrothers then hold her mother as a social and economic hostage, wanting to force her remarriage to one of them, and go so far as to burn down the family home. Esperanza's mother then decides to join the cook and gardener and their son as they move to the United States and work in California's agricultural industry. They embark on a new way of life, away from the uncles, and Esperanza unwillingly enters a world where she is no longer a princess but a worker. Set against the multiethnic, labor-organizing era of the Depression, the story of Esperanza remaking herself is satisfyingly complete, including dire illness and a difficult romance. Except for the evil uncles, all of the characters are rounded, their motives genuine, with class issues honestly portrayed. Easy to booktalk, useful in classroom discussions, and accessible as pleasure reading, this well-written novel belongs in all collections."-Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
"Gr 6-9-Ryan uses the experiences of her own Mexican grandmother as the basis for this compelling story of immigration and assimilation, not only to a new country but also into a different social class. Esperanza's expectation that her 13th birthday will be celebrated with all the material pleasures and folk elements of her previous years is shattered when her father is murdered by bandits. His powerful stepbrothers then hold her mother as a social and economic hostage, wanting to force her remarriage to one of them, and go so far as to burn down the family home. Esperanza's mother then decides to join the cook and gardener and their son as they move to the United States and work in California's agricultural industry. They embark on a new way of life, away from the uncles, and Esperanza unwillingly enters a world where she is no longer a princess but a worker. Set against the multiethnic, labor-organizing era of the Depression, the story of Esperanza remaking herself is satisfyingly complete, including dire illness and a difficult romance. Except for the evil uncles, all of the characters are rounded, their motives genuine, with class issues honestly portrayed. Easy to booktalk, useful in classroom discussions, and accessible as pleasure reading, this well-written novel belongs in all collections."-Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
Goldsmith,
F. (2000). Esperanza rising (Book Review) (Undetermined). School
Library Journal, 46(10), 171.
Library Uses:
This book is a perfect historical fiction novel to explore during National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15.
This book is a perfect historical fiction novel to explore during National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15.