Book Review: Esperanza Rising

 


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ryan, P. M. (2002). Esperanza rising. Scholastic.

ISBN: 978-0439120425

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Esperanza thought she'd always live a privileged life on her family's ranch in Mexico. She'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home filled with servants, and Mama, Papa, and Abuelita to care for her. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California and settle in a Mexican farm labor camp. Esperanza isn't ready for the hard work, financial struggles brought on by the Great Depression, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When Mama gets sick and a strike for better working conditions threatens to uproot their new life, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances--because Mama's life, and her own, depend on it.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I enjoyed reading Esperanza Rising! Although this book is a little older, I loved how the author characterized Esperanza, and we saw her grow through her hardships. I also loved Ryan’s use of symbolism throughout the story. Ryan was very true to the Hispanic culture when writing this novel, from using the names of different fruits in Spanish as the chapter titles to how Esperanza was first described at the novel's beginning. Several topics that are typical of the culture are touched on, such as immigration status. I will say Racism was evident in the book, but Ryan did it in a very tactful way and was also very true to the time period.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

- Pura Belpré Award Winner

- Américas Award Honor Book

 

Starred review in School Library Journal Review: "This well-written novel belongs in all collections."

Starred review in Publisher’s Weekly: "Told in a lyrical, fairy tale-like style . . . Readers will be swept up."

Starred review in Booklist: "Ryan writes a moving story in clear, poetic language that children will sink into, and the book offers excellent opportunities for discussion and curriculum support."

Starred review in Kirkus Review: "Ryan's... style is engaging, her characters appealing, and her story is one that-though a deep-rooted part of the history of California, the Depression, and thus the nation-is little heard in children's fiction. It bears telling to a wider audience."

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students will create a character trait map for Esperanza. They will use examples from the novel to support their character traits.    

*Engage students in a class discussion about the book. For example, how did Esperanza prepare for her birthday? Ask students how their celebrations are similar or different from what they read.   

* Engage students in an arts an crafts activity where they create yard dolls.

*Other Historical Fiction Books

Levine, E., Nelson, K., & Dixon, J. (2011). Henry’s Freedom Box. Findaway World, LLC. ISBN: 978-0547577098

Boyne, J. (2007). Boy in the striped pajamas, the. Ember, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. ISBN: 978-0385751537


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