Hello, Readers!
This week’s book is a special one. It
is a book that touches on race, class, the American Dream, and immigration, but
most of all it is a story about the enduring spirit of hope. Esperanza Rising, by Pam Muñoz Ryan, was
published by Scholastic Publishing in 2000. This young adult historical fiction
novel won the Pura Belpre’ Award for Writing and the Jane Addams Children’s
Book Award. It was an ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, an LA Times Book
Prize Finalist, included in the New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading
and Sharing, and was the Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.
In
lyrical prose, Muñoz Ryan tells the story of Esperanza, the daughter of a wealthy
Mexican rancher who is forced to flee to California with her mother when her
father is murdered. The once-privileged mother and daughter become migrant workers
in the midst of the Great Depression. They endure incredible hardship, yet when
Esperanza’s mother becomes sick, the young girl must find a way to rise above their
circumstances.
I love
this book because of the brave, indomitable spirit of the women in the story. Esperanza
Rising makes a great read-aloud novel study, relating to many ELA standards as
well as to social studies standards related to migration, immigration, and the
Great Depression.
1.
Twice in the novel, Esperanza lies on the ground
and listens to “the heartbeat of the earth”. Why is this important to her the
first time? How have her feelings changed the second time it happens?
2.
Why doesn’t Esperanza care for Marta when they
first meet? What changes her mind?
3.
Why does Esperanza have such a hard time
transitioning to life in California?
I hope you and your students enjoy Esperanza Rising.
Until next time, keep reading!
