Ages 9+1-min guideHistoryFamily
Esperanza Rising
by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Good fitA great fit for most kids 9 and up. A moving story of loss, change and resilience, with real history about Mexican farmworkers in the 1930s.
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What it’s about
Esperanza lives a wealthy life on a ranch in Mexico until her father is killed. She and her mother flee to California and work in a farm labor camp during the Great Depression.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossSomeEsperanza’s father is killed by bandits.
Prejudice and hardshipSomeDiscrimination, strikes and families being deported.
Big feelingsSomeLosing her home and her old life.
ViolenceA littleA house is set on fire.
LanguageNone
RomanceA littleA hint of feelings between Esperanza and Miguel.
Why kids like it
A girl who has everything, loses it, and grows stronger.
Free printable quiz
- 1Where does Esperanza live at the start?
- 2What happens to her father?
- 3What illness does her mother get?
- 4Who brings Abuelita to California?
