Anne Sheridan

Multicultural Literature Activity

SLIS 5960.001

May 2002

 

Young Adult Novel

 

Esperanza Rising

Munoz Ryan, Pam.  Esperanza Rising.  New York: Scholastic Press, 2000.

 

About the Book:  Esperanza Rising is based upon the experiences of the author’s great grandmother.  Esperanza, a privileged girl, is forced to flee Mexico with her mother after her father is killed.  She must learn how to survive in California, a new and different environment.  Esperanza is no longer privileged and must learn how to work for herself.  She faces many hardships, but grows and learns to take care of herself and her family.  This book is on the Bluebonnet Award Master List for 2002-2003.

 

About the Author:  Pam Munoz Ryan grew up and lives in California.  She is a member of a large multi-ethnic family.  She loved to read from an early age, spending lots of time during the summer in the air-conditioned local library.  She has also authored Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride; Riding Freedom; Rice and Beans and Hello Ocean.

 

Before Reading Activities:  In order to help students develop and understanding of the historical setting and issues of the day, have students visit the following websites. 

  1. Using the following websites on Mexico, students will create a ‘Fast Facts’ information page on the country of Mexico.
    1. http://teacher.scholastic.com/glokid/mexico/portrait.htm
    2. http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/0,6709,176084,00.html
    3. http://www.demon.co.uk/mexuk/meet_mex/
  2. Use the following websites to gain an understanding what the Great Depression was and how it began, including looking at pictures from the Great Depression.
    1. http://www.albany.edu/projren/1997_98/student_projects/museum/history/before/greatdep.htm
    2. http://history1900s.about.com/library/photos/blyindexdepression.htm
    3. http://www.farmworkers.org/strugcal.html
    4. http://www.netxn.com/~weedpatch/
    5. http://www.cyesis.org/webinstruction/grapesofwrath/pictures2.htm

 

After Reading Activities:  Discuss the immigrant experience described in Esperanza Rising.  Use the following questions to guide the discussion.

  1. Has your view of immigrants changed by reading this novel?
  2. How do you think that the experience of immigrants today is any different today than it was in the time period of the story?
  3. Consider the Spanish used in the story, from the main character’s name, which means ‘hope’, to the names of the chapters.  Explain the significance of all of these words in the story. 
  4. What do you think Esperanza learned about herself during the course of the story?

After the discussion is complete, have students write a book report poem about one of the questions from the discussion.