Esperanza Rising

Ryan, P. (2000). Esperanza Rising. New York: Scholastic Press.

Readability lexile: 750L

Summary:

Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico - she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn't ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances - Mama's life, and her own, depend on it. 

Evaluation of the text based on Donna Norton's characteristics of high quality literature (Norton, D. (2011):

This book could be used as high quality literature, because it serves for multiple avenues of learning. For example, in the back of the book there are discussion questions that can be discussed among the class. These questions are great conversation starters and usually lead to pretty successful outcomes. This book could be used to teach about the Great Depression. This book could also be used to teach about trying to walk in someones shoes. 

In the Ten Steps for Reviewing Children's Literature by Norton, I think this book addresses a hero and that is Esperanza. Though she struggled with coming to terms that her life is now different that her Papa died, she became an incredible young woman. I think for young readers, they will captured by Esperanza's never ending spirit and never be afraid of starting over. 

Literary Elements:

1. Setting: Aguascalientes, Mexico; Arvin, California.

2. Tone: Riches to rags; Uncomfortable; Strength; Love; Adventure.

3. Characters: An array from young to old Mexicans.

Mini-Lesson:

I would use this book to have an in depth discussion with my students on whether or not that have been in a situation where they had to leave somewhere out of their comfort and had to go somewhere where they were made uncomfortable. I would lead the discussion further by asking how it made them feel and what it was like for them. I would bring closure to the lesson by leaving them with the question, "How can we help others adjust to new situations if we knew we had been through something similar?" 

Target Audience: Grades 3-7

My personal reaction to this book was that even though the book did not have any illustrations, the words painted such a vivid picture in my head that really stood out. The author's choice of words made the chapters come alive and I felt as if I was right there with Esperanza. It was a book I found hard to put down and touched my heart.