Esperanza Rising

Title: Esperanza Rising

Author: Pam Munoz Ryan

ISBN Number: 043912042X

Age Range:10+

Genre: Real Life, Hardship, Drama

Summary:Esperanza lives on a wealthy ranch or plantation in Mexico in the 1930s with her mother and father. The day before her thirteenth birthday, her father is murdered by bandits. Grieved by this shock, even more bad news follows. In Mexico, women cannot own land and Esperanza's Tio offers to marry her. However, her Tio is selfish and unkind. Mama rejects the offer and Tio informs them that they will regret it. The next day, the ranch house is set on fire. Tio once again asks for Mama's hand in marriage, and much to Esperanza's dismay, says she will think about it. Esperanza rages around, however, Mama tells her that it was just an act. That they are really going to escape to California for a new and better life. Esperanza, who is wealthy is afraid of this new life. However, the theme of the book is "never be afraid to start over" and Esperanza and her mother separate from their beloved Abuelita and journey on a dangerous trek to California with her friend Miguel and his father. Forced to do nothing but find work in the fields, it is extremely difficult circumstances. Not long after, Mama is forced into the hospital due to a dust storm and Esperanza has to take it upon herself to be the sole provider and pay for Mama's hospital bills. Esperanza begins to work in the fields. The word is tedious and terrible, however, out of her life for Mama's heart, does she struggle with this. She is stilling living with Miguel and his father, however, Miguel steals her money after a fight that they have. Esperanza is devastated, however, little does she know that he went to pay for her Abuelita's ticket to California. Overjoyed, Mama and Esperanza have a happy family again. This was an extremely interesting tale about how important familial love is. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.

Awards: 

The Pura Belpre Award, honoring Latino authors whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in a children’s book 2001
ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults Smithsonian Best Books 2000
Publisher’s Weekly Best Children’s Books 2000
L.A. Times Best Books of 2000 Excellence in a Work of Fiction Award 2001
Children’s Literature Council of Southern California 2001
Judy Goddard/Libraries Limited Arizona Young Adult Author Award
Jane Addams Children’s Book Award
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom 

(Taken from http://thebestnotes.com/booknotes/Esperanza_Rising_Study_Guide/Esperanza_Rising_Book_Summary05.html for the Bibliographic Information)