Brief Summary Of Esperenza Rising By Pam Munzo Ryan

Esperenza Rising: By pam Munzo Ryan This story begins in the 1930’s in Mexico after the Mexican revolution. It is about a young girl, Esperenza, who loses her father and has to start a whole new life in an unfamiliar world. Before losing her father, they were a wealthy family who had few worries. Once her father passes, her uncles take over their ranch and made an ultimatum, either Esperenza’s mother marries her Uncle Luis or he will ruin their lives. After they lose their home from a fire that was set intentionally, they secretly leave Mexico with their loyal servants and friends to go to California in search of work. Once very wealthy, they are now very poor and must live in ways that they have never had to. While they are there they become farmers and live in horrible conditions. But, during this time Esperenza learns how to be independent, self-sufficient, and a hard worker. Her mother becomes ill and must stay in a hospital, so Esperenza begins to desperately find ways to get her Abuelita to California so her mother will see hope and want to live. While working she begins to see the world differently, but still has difficulty finding hope in such a horrible situation even with her mother home. Miguel, her once servants son, decides to take a trip
It is a great example of a time when things were not so good and how life can be great, but change in an instant. The two elements in this book, historical and contemporary familial fiction, make it easy for students to relate to in many ways. The events covered in this book are valid historical events of the 1930’s, like immigrating from Mexico to seek a better life and more opportunities after the Mexican Revolution. There are also very strong relationships in this book, including family, friends, and community. Thus, this book would be a great representation for either