Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan
Plot Summary:
Esperanza is living the life of a privileged rancher’s daughter in Mexico when her father is killed by bandits, during the Mexican Revolution. Her greedy tios, or uncles, take over control of the ranch and threaten to separate Mama and Esperanza if her mama will not marry Tio Luis, so that he may gain her influence in the country. When she refuses, he burns their home and vineyards, and Abuelita is injured.
Fearing for her life and those of her workers, Mama, with the help of her faithful servants, Alfonso and Hortensia, and good friend Senor Rodriquez, decides to uproot Esperanza and move to America so they can start a new life together. Esperanza has always had servants and fine things, but she soon finds life will be full of hard work, difficulty, and sacrifice when they arrive at the work camp in California.
As Esperanza learns about the differences that divide people, she also finds she must look for strength within herself to assure that she and Mama survive in America. Her former servant and childhood friend, Miguel, helps to teach her lessons that will make her stronger than she ever thought she’d have to be.
As we read this story, we will discuss immigration, the Dust Bowl, and the great dividing power of social economic status and race on the people of this country. We also will learn how one group learns to survive amidst it all.
Esperanza is living the life of a privileged rancher’s daughter in Mexico when her father is killed by bandits, during the Mexican Revolution. Her greedy tios, or uncles, take over control of the ranch and threaten to separate Mama and Esperanza if her mama will not marry Tio Luis, so that he may gain her influence in the country. When she refuses, he burns their home and vineyards, and Abuelita is injured.
Fearing for her life and those of her workers, Mama, with the help of her faithful servants, Alfonso and Hortensia, and good friend Senor Rodriquez, decides to uproot Esperanza and move to America so they can start a new life together. Esperanza has always had servants and fine things, but she soon finds life will be full of hard work, difficulty, and sacrifice when they arrive at the work camp in California.
As Esperanza learns about the differences that divide people, she also finds she must look for strength within herself to assure that she and Mama survive in America. Her former servant and childhood friend, Miguel, helps to teach her lessons that will make her stronger than she ever thought she’d have to be.
As we read this story, we will discuss immigration, the Dust Bowl, and the great dividing power of social economic status and race on the people of this country. We also will learn how one group learns to survive amidst it all.