| Title | : | Esperanza Rising |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 043912042X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780439120425 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 304 |
| Publication | : | First published October 1, 2000 |
| Awards | : | Jane Addams Children's Book Award Older Children (2001), California Young Readers Medal Middle School/Junior High (2003), Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature (2001), Pura Belpré Award Narrative (2002) |
Esperanza Rising Reviews
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I just finished this book with my class today...couldn't read that last sentence because I cried...the kids cried too. That hasn't happened to me before with a read aloud...great story.
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"Aguntate tantito y la fruta caer en tu mano," her father said. "Wait a little while and the fruit will fall into your hand. You must be patient, Esperanza."
Esperanza Rising is my 2nd book of
Pam Muñoz Ryan. The 1st book was the awesome
Echo.
Esperanza Rising has been a wonderful read. One of the first thoughts I had, after finishing the book, was that, this book should have been slightly more longer.
Did you know if you lie down on the ground and stay very still, you can feel the Earth's heart beating?
This book is the story of Esperanza Ortega, whose life changes from a Fairytale existence to one filled with hardships and difficulties. It is about the changing attitudes of Esperanza and her understanding of Life.
In Spanish, Esperanza means Hope!!!
There is no rose without thorns...
This story is about Faith, Belief, Dreams, Hope and Survival!
The greatest message of this book is:
Do not ever be afraid to start over... -
I read and lesson planned this book when I student taught Spanish I to 7th and 8th graders. Any review I write will not do the book justice because it's been a long time and deserving of a reread. Definitely a great learning tool and Hispanic historical novel to read to middle school students.
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Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan is a wonderful novel about emigrants from Mexico during the great depression time. It is a story about a girl who was raised in a wealthy home and finds herself on the other shores and is very poor. This story can hear you up no matter what age you are. It was fun to read this book.
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What a wonderful book...RTC
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My 11-year-old was assigned this middle grades novel at school, and she struggled with it, early on, so we started it over as a read aloud at home and she became completely invested. So did I.
I liked this story much more than I suspected I would; it takes place at the same time and in same place as Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, but instead of "Okies," the focus is on Mexican immigrants. They've come to California to scrape together some sort of living while being paid next to nothing for picking produce.
Instead of a "rags to riches" story, it is the opposite: a riches to rags story. Compelling.
My favorite take-away from this read: "Do not be afraid to start over." -
Esperanza Rising, set during the Great Depression, seems to completely flip over today's modern narrative that youth today are so hard-done by, bringing to light the ugly reality of child labour, especially the exploitation of immigrant children, a sociopolitical nightmare that still continues today. While readers should admire Esperanza for her resilience and her selflessness, they should also remember that many children even in the 2020's still face similar treatment today. I suppose that my generation, growing up during the blaze of social media, somehow came to forget that not being given a smartphone wasn't a form of child abuse, but trafficking migrant children for manual labour is... but Esperanza Rising seeks to reflect a world in which, to survive, you have to lose your right to a childhood in the process. Those fortunate enough not to experience this often are so far-removed from it that they forget it even happens.
A sort of fairy-tale for contemporary America, with elements of
A Little Princess and
Children of the River, Esperanza Rising follows the story of a well-to-do young girl, who lives a life of luxury in Aguascalientes, Mexico. When the unexpected occurs, she and her mother (affectionately called "Mama") have to flee to America, where they end up working on a Mexican labour farm. The work is hard and often unrewarding, the sun is hot, and Esperanza doesn't even go to school anymore, let alone the beautiful things she used to have. She also begins thinking about the servants whom she grew up with, now that she's in a position of desperation herself. Why was she more of a human being when she had money than not? Why does her skin colour affect her ability to find the American dream? If every child is important, then why is she doing farm work while other girls like her are in school or playing outside?
This book deals with some heavy questions about issues such as ethnicity, race, pro/anti immigration views, politics and girlhood, among the broader issue of child labour. Written with a great deal of energy and emotion, readers are truly made to feel like they're coming upon a real family, not a fictional one. The characters are complicated and realistic, and the themes are heavy but handled well considering Esperanza Rising target age range. -
An inspiring story of struggle, hardship, and hope, Esperanza Rising gave me and my children much to discuss. This is a great work of historical fiction for children based on the life of the author's grandmother.
Esperanza, the daughter of a wealthy landowner, and her mother must leave their home in Mexico and start over as farm workers in California after the death of her father. Set in the early 1930's, this book gives you a feel for the struggles of the Great Depression as well as California History . Filled with Spanish phrases and words, it's a great introduction to learning Spanish and shows many cultural aspects as well.
This book is rich with ideas for great discussions on empathy, economics, labor unions, race relations, prejudice, rights, family, choices, hope, attitude, work, pride, and kindness. Make sure you keep tissues by as you read. I don't usually cry when reading, but this book brought my tears to the surface again and again making it difficult to read aloud to my kids. It's a sweet book about hard work, love, and hope. -
De mult nu am mai găsit într-un roman atâta candoare, dragoste și optimism! M-a făcut să-mi fie dor de vremea când mergeam cu bunicii și părinții la câmp. Mâncam la prânz ouă fierte dimineața și ținute sub pom, la umbră, până atunci, iar sarea era într-un flacon de medicamente, normal. Mă întreb ce ar fi zis bătrânii dacă scoteam atunci o sticluță cu dezinfectant și niscaiva șervețele umede. Dacă vă e dor de bunici, dacă ați pierdut pe cineva, dacă viața v-a obligat să vă maturizați prea devreme, dacă doar vreți să aflați o poveste înduioșătoare, atunci asta e cartea potrivită.
,,Omul avut când sărăcește devine mai bogat decât săracul care ajunge să cunoască bogăția.'' (proverb mexican)
Recenzia aici:
http://sandradeaconu.blogspot.com/201... -
This book brings a smile to my face even twenty years later. Just such a beautiful story!
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What a beautiful and beautifully simple story! I love the angles of perspective, the rich culture and largely ignored history of the Mexican repatriation, that the author explores. It's even better to learn that the author based the story largely on very true events of her grandmother's time. Esperanza is a lovely young heroine who matures so believably and admirably. I really like that she started as a pretty ignorant, hot-tempered and slightly spoiled child, so we can see that the Mexicans don't all suffer and have tragic pasts, they also have wonderful memories of comfort (not luxury but happy times). The Spanish in the book didn't hurt at all too, helped me to learn a bit more. Can't wait to read more from this author!!!
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I adored Esperanza, her family, and their story. <3
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Though Esperanza comes from a privileged background, she and her mother are forced to flee Mexico after her father dies. She must work as a farm laborer (despite her upbringing and education) in southern California during the Great Depression.
The characterization is lovely; they are well rounded with realistic concerns and struggles. This novel illuminates the unique plight of Mexican-American laborers during the Great Depression, including forced deportation, labor strikes, competition from the Dust Bowl "Okies," profound discrimination, and horrific living conditions. Marvelous historical fiction!
[Booktalk this!: 10-14 year old girls.] -
While I have quite enjoyed the historic information and detailed descriptions of both Esperanza's first (her original) life in Mexico (as a member of the ruling, of the powerful classes, as a rich and yes rather spoiled, cherished daughter of a prominent and socially, financially connected gentleman fruit rancher used to generally getting her own way and having a fleet of servants at her beck and call) and later (after her father's tragic death and Esperanza and her mother's quite sudden fall from riches to rags), Esperanza's immigration with her mother (along with her mother's housekeeper and family) to the United States of America and her life (Esperanza's often considerably more difficult and painful existence) as a migrant farm labourer, I cannot really say that I have found Pam Muñoz Ryan's Esperanza Rising all that personally and emotionally satisfying and pleasurable a reading experience.
For one, there is not nearly enough character development presented even with regard to the main characters, even for Esperanza, her mother and indeed their former housekeeper Hortensia and in particular her son (and Esperanza's possible love interest) Miguel, and for two, in many ways Esperanza Rising presents a too obviously and stereotypically fairytale like division of good versus evil (with especially Esperanza's Mexican paternal uncles reminding me rather over-strongly of classic cardboard like villains). And yes, while this might work and even be rather expected in a fairy tale, in traditional folklore, in Esperanza Rising (which is after all supposed to be a novel of historic fiction and is also according to the author's note at the back loosely based on Pam Muñoz Ryan's own family history) the fact that so often things are either black or while, that while Esperanza's attitudes do somewhat change on the surface by the end of the novel, she still does not really ever internally develop and change all that much or rather not enough for me, this has definitely made me enjoy Esperanza Rising not nearly as much as I had fondly hoped (for while I did and do appreciate much of the historical information etc. I have been presented with, the lack of character development in Esperanza Rising and the sometimes rather liberal use of either/or folklore like stereotyping really does rather rub me the wrong proverbial way). Two and a half stars, but rounded up to three stars, as Esperanza Rising is not in any manner majorly problematic or inappropriate, just not narrationally developed enough for my personal reading requirements and tastes! -
Wow what a powerfull story. Need I say that I spent an hour in tears as I was reading the book. Woke up with puffy eyes the next day. Unfortunately students only get to experience the Grapes of Wrath in high school. How marvelous would it be to also introduce them to Esperanza Rising, perhaps as part of an immigration unit and then have them analyze the different experiences of these two groups, the "Oakies" and the Mexican immigrants.
I was so moved by the selfless act of Ramona to give up all that she was accustomed to, all the luxuries, all the wealth in order to set a positive example for her daughter. How difficult it must have been for her. This was probably why it took her so long to recover from her illness. I was so scared that Esperanza would lose her too, and quite honestly I would have been a wreck if that would have happened.
Pam Munoz Ryan does such an excellent job of painting the setting in your mind and in developing each of the characters. At the beginning of the book Esperanza was a little girl and in only a few short months she developed and matured into a woman. A woman who finally realized what was important in life. I was thrilled to read the author's note to discover that in real life Esperanza and "Miguel" married. The perfect ending to a wonderfully written story. -
I wanted to like this book, but I struggled with liking the characters. There was not one character I really cared about. I found I cared more about the roses they were transplanting than the people who were transplanted. I did like the growth I saw in Esperanza.
This story was too didactic. Munoz didn't trust her reader enough to figure out what was right; she felt she had to tell them. She also had too many plot lines going that seemed to go nowhere at all. Murdered father, greedy and mean uncles wanting to marry mom and send child away, illegal immigration, mom in hospital, boy she likes but talks down to, strike and work unfairness, dust storms, Oakies coming to take their jobs, racism, etc - not one of which was addressed adequately. I felt like this story was all over the place.This seemed like a watered-down, rose-colored glasses Grapes of Wrath. Did the family end up okay? They now have a new mouth to feed and limited jobs, but everything will be okay? A thirteen year old girl would not have made enough money during that time period to pay her mother's hospital bills, support herself, and save money to bring Grandma to California - too unrealistic. -
The setting is Mexico, shortly after their Revolutionary War. Many of the desperate are resentful of wealthy land owners. Bandits roam the land, and tragedy can strike without warning.
Esperanza's charmed life is bitterly interuppted by such a tragedy. She and her mother must flee their beautiful lands and seek work in a labor camp. Her mother promises her hope and a better life, but all Esperanza can see is poverty, dirty living quarters, and difficult, unending work.
Her grandmother tells her to "never be afraid of starting over." But can Esperanza face the challenges that are threatening everything she holds dear?
A patriotic and passionate work, Esperanza Rising will appeal to youth and adults alike who are seeking their roots and inspiration. -Tiffany J. -
4/5stars
**I AM A FIFTH GRADE SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, NOT A CHILD THE AGE THIS STORY WAS WRITTEN FOR, SO PLEASE TAKE MY REVIEW WITH A GRAIN OF SALT**
read this with my fifth grade students, they seemed to really love it and I really enjoyed the commentary made about immigration in this book, and also how it put said commentary into words that a child can understand. I do think this relied heavily on stereotypes though, which is what brought it down a bit for me. -
Published in 2000, this book is based on the author’s grandmother’s experience of moving from Mexico to California during the Great Depression. It is a riches to rags story. The family was wealthy and successful in Mexico, but after Esperanza’s father dies and relatives prove untrustworthy, they must find a new path.
The story is told from Esperanza’s perspective. She is age thirteen at the start of the novel. The tragedies are kept at arms-length, though the author does not shy away from portraying the prejudice and deprivations experienced by migrant workers of Mexican descent. It depicts how life can change, and how it is better to adapt than dwell in the past. The young protagonist experiences character growth brought on by hardships and learns some valuable life lessons along the way.
I listened to the audio book, beautifully performed by Trini Alvarado. She articulates well, pronounces the Spanish accurately, and provides a specific voice to each character. Adults may want a little more grit and in-depth examination of the labor issues, but I think it will appeal to young readers, middle grade and higher. -
This book was wonderful! I started reading it a while ago, but stopped because I thought it was too sad. (I was at the part about the papayas) I just picked it up again and couldn't put it down! This was, by far, one of the best books I've ever read!
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I really enjoyed this story about young Esperanza, whose life is turned upside down after her father's death. Going from a privileged, comfortable life in Mexico on her father's ranch, or a difficult, hard life in California, Esperanza starts out naive and entitled, but undergoes tremendous growth and strength of character by the end of this novel. Plus, I got to learn a little about Mexican workers in California around the Depression: the racism they encountered, their efforts to gain better rights, and forced deportations by the Californian government in response to these workers attempts to organize.
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I enjoyed this story, as it brought me to a different perspective about migrations from Mexico than I have had about the past. . . I just never thought much about it. I love Grapes of Wrath and have read that, and Cannery Row, and similar tales of the migrations . . .white migrations. . .forced upon people during the Depression. This YA book had me thinking about other cultures, and the underlying reasons for their needs to flee a homeland.
When I read books like this, I am reminded that I am a daughter of the 50's/60's/70's. I started bona fide kindergarten (no such thing as pre-school in those days) in the early 60's and finished high school mid-70's, and there weren't books like this that I was aware of, and I was a faithful library goin' kid. I would have loved this book, as I do now. I just wish I had read it earlier. It is clear the books - especially school books - that got in my hands were the stories that I was "supposed" to read. And I was raised in So. California, in the LA school district - you'd think there would be plenty of stories available about our southern neighbor. All I remember having to do with Mexican people was not even really Mexican - we had annual history sections about the Californian missions - but I think those were Spanish missions, not Mexican. . . I'm sorry to let my ignorance hang out like this. Feel free to correct me - I'm always ready to be pointed to good truths.
If you haven't, read Esperanza Rising. As for me and my house (8 grandkids), we are going to make sure sometime this summer to lay down on the earth - hopefully my backyard - and listen for the earth's heartbeat.
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NOTE: This is my second attempt at a response to this book - the first draft was composed on my mobile device and Goodreads ATE it!!! Has that happened to anyone else. . . This is not the first time!@@ Argh! -
Trandafirii din Mexic e un roman induiosator despre puterea de a o lua de la capat, de a nu te lasa invins de greutatile vietii, de a spera si de a te bucura de lucrurile frumoase, de zambi in ciuda durerii din suflet. E povestea unei fetite alaturi de care inveti ce inseamna maturizarea fortata si infrunti nedreptatea, dar te bucuri vazand-o cum creste si ce inteleapta devine. E povestea unei mame care sacrifica tot pentru a pastra relatia frumoasa cu fiica ei, care stie sa piarda cu demnitate si sa lupte cu zambet si curaj. O recomand copiilor si adolescentilor, pentru ca e o varsta la care ai impresia ca ti se cuvine totul, ca nu trebuie sa stii sa faci lucruri in viata, pentru ca oricum parintii iti asigura un trai bun si tu iti faci partea invatand. Departe de mine gandul de a judeca, asa am fost si eu si asa suntem toti, la adapostul iubirii si stabilitatii oferite de niste parinti care s-au sacrificat pentru noi. Insa pentru unii, mai putin norocosi, poate veni un moment in viata cand vor pierde acea stabilitate si va trebui sa munceasca pentru a o avea din nou, cot la cot cu parintii. Acesta a fost si cazul micutei Esperanza, o fetita rasfatata, care avea tot ce isi putea dori, fara sa ii pese cum si de unde ... pana cand tatal ei a murit neasteptat, iar ea si mama ei au fost nevoite sa paraseasca mosia si sa o ia de la zero intr-o tara straina, sa invete munca de jos, sa se multumeasca cu conditii umile, dar sa cunoasca cu acest prilej adevarata prietenie. Ramona mi se pare un exemplu bun de mama si femeie, a facut alegeri intelepte pentru ea si fiica ei si a educat-o frumos, ea insasi avand o educatie aleasa, cunoscand bogatia, dar ramanand umila si plina de respect. Mai rar o astfel de femeie.
Mi-as fi dorit ca romanul sa nu fie atat de scurt, iar actiunea mai complexa. Insa mi-a placut cum a fost scris, mi-a ajuns la suflet autoarea, iar mesajul este intr-adevar unul important, pentru care merita citita. :) -
A wonderful story about a thirteen-year-old Mexican girl, Esperanza, from a well-to-do family who, after the death of her father, is forced to move with her mother and family servants to southern California. They must become migrant workers picking fruits and vegetables and living in a migrant camp. Through the eyes of this privileged child, the reader learns how it feels to "come down" in life, and also how it feels to be "looked down on" by others because of one's ethnicity and social standing, or lack thereof.
Esperanza also does a lot of growing up because of missing her grandmother who doesn't get to come along with them when they leave Mexico, and because of her mother's illness. She has to do a lot of growing up fast.
This story is based on the author's own grandmother's story, and it gives some of the history of migrant workers in the 1930's. It really is a story that includes several different issues that could be taught to younger children and middle-aged children. And even I, as an adult, was interested in learning of this era! Now I understand why it is on Amazon's Top 100 Children's Books List!
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Trandafirii din Mexic este povestea Esperanzei, o adolescentă de 13 ani a carei viata se schimba in seara in care tatal ei moare. Daca inainte ducea viata unicei fiice a unui mosier, iubita si rasfatata de cei din jur, va ajunge o simpla imigranta, alaturi de mama ei, in Statele Unite. Esperanza se maturizeaza rapid, munceste din greu pentru familia sa, dar reuseste sa razbata. Este o poveste inspirata din realitate, Esperanza fiind bunica scriitoarei. Povestea este menita sa sensibilizeze cititorii la situatia imigrantilor hispanici, un subiect mereu actual in Statele Unite. Mi-a placut mult aceasta carte, are un stil simplu, dar elocvent, inspira si da speranta.
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4.5 Stars. This was a really good read. I was surprised at how much depth there was, considering that it was a young readers book (I would put it at 3rd-5th grade). It tackled really serious issues without being overwhelming and balanced showing and telling when it came to the big issues very well. This is set in the 1930's as the main character, Esperanza, and her family has to move from a place of wealth in Mexico to work in the United States. It tackles issues of classism and racism, including the issue of mass deportations of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans at the time.
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This book is GREAT! I read it with school and at first to be honest I hated it! Esperanza was annoying and snobby! But in the end she was a really like able person!
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I listened to this as an audible book. What a beautiful voice narrator Trini Alvarado has! Her reading was a captivating performance, carrying me into the story even more than if I had read it myself.
When disaster visits wealthy Esperanza Ortega and her family who live on a ranch in Mexico, she and her mama escape to California where they adjust to life as peasants and migrant workers during the Great Depression. Soulful, dramatic, lyrical, and extraordinary are the first words that come to mind to describe this unforgettable novel.
