The novel Esperanza Rising addresses the lifestyle changes people must endure when they are suddenly forced into a different socioeconomic class. The author, Pam Muñoz Ryan, does a marvelous job conveying the psychological and emotional changes that need to take place in order to survive in a drastically different world.
My interest was held throughout the novel. The author’s use of creative imagery allowed the reader to compose a colorful and vivid account of the setting and characters throughout the book. My favorite character was Esperanza’s grandmother (Abuelita). Abuelita was a wise women who’s advice helped sustain Esperanza’s strength through the most difficult and trying times. Abutelita was a source of inspiration and motivation for Esperanza, and her mother, even though they were separated by several hundred miles.
The protagonists in this novel showed perseverance, hope, strength and courage amidst the most desperate moments in their lives. It was in the way that Esperanza and her mother used whatever community resources that were available to them to maintain a subsistence level of existence. The strength found within community resources played a large part in the theme of hope and survival throughout the story.
Readers in middle school through adulthood will find this book interesting and thought provoking. The story touches upon many universal themes such as wealth, poverty, fear, courage, hope, and resolve. As a middle school social studies teacher, I am adding this book to my curriculum; as the historical context of the story will support the eight grade curriculum pertaining to the historical aspects of immigration, distribution of labor and the Great Depression.
BRAVO!
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Can you draw an parallels between the immigrants in this book (1930s) and the immigrants of today? Do you feel that your students would be able to draw the same parallels? Is the life of an immigrant who crosses the border into California in order to become a migrant worker any different today than it was years ago? Why? How about the day workers who work in construction? How do you think that Esperanza's perception of what was important in life changed through the months that she was in the United States? Why did the change take place? What was some of the symbolism in this story that you could share with your students? What does this story teach us about a woman's property rights in Mexico aas opposed to a woman's property rights here in America? Why do you think young adults would like this story? 3-15-10 Dr. Ries
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