Esperanza Rising

By Pam Muñoz Ryan

Book Overview

**CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN PRINT **

A modern classic for our time and for all time―this beloved, award-winning bestseller resonates with fresh meaning for each new generation. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo, Christopher Paul Curtis, and Rita Williams-Garcia.

Pura Belpre Award Winner

* "Readers will be swept up." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

Esperanza thought she'd always live a privileged life on her family's ranch in Mexico. She'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home filled with servants, and Mama, Papa, and Abuelita to care for her. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California and settle in a Mexican farm labor camp. Esperanza isn't ready for the hard work, financial struggles brought on by the Great Depression, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When Mama gets sick and a strike for better working conditions threatens to uproot their new life, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances--because Mama's life, and her own, depend on it.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439120411
• ISBN13: 9780439120418
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Disappointing Condition

My review is entirely on the condition of the book. As soon as I took it out of the package I was disappointed. The cover is a mess, with tears and scuffs at the bottom, it's bent and creased in both the top and bottom corners and has writing not only inside the cover but scribbled across various pages. I bought a book in "very good condition" and recieved one acceptable at best. While I appreciate being able to purchase affordable literature, I don't appreciate ordering expecting a certain standard of item and receiving far less. This is my first order in a few years and likely will be my last if this is the quality and care I'm to expect.

Its ok

I may have to reread it but I don't understand how this won an award, even as a Hispanic myself the main character seems very selfish, ungrateful, and self-centered. I did like the adventure, the culture clashes and what Hispanics may have gone through back then, and it does work as a "coming of age" story. Everything about the book is good and well written, I just didn't like the main character all that much.

Lovely coming-of-age story

This reminded me so much of The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. If you liked this books, you should like this one.

I thought it was in Spanish:(

I ordered this books to be in Spanish!!!!! I was expecting it to be in Spanish, and when it came it was in English!!!!! Very disappointed!!!!!!

Great Story

Great story about riches to rage- inspiring- and really makes you grateful for all the things you have.

One of my favorite books

I am pretty sure I have read this book twenty plus times. Still one of my favorites from childhood.

I thought this book was written in Spanish :(

I was really looking forward to trying to read the spanish version of this book, but it is in english. Probably my mistake though, so I’ll still give it 5 stars.

This is still my favorite young adult book

I made an account just so I could leave a review for this incredible book. The story is so inspiring, the writing is captivating, and the love put into this book is palpable. I’ve read this book once every year since I got it at the scholastic book fair when I was in third grade. I’m 23 now. Please, please read this book. And if you like this, read Becoming Naomi Leon, also by Pam Munoz Ryan, and also a beautiful book about self discovery and standing up for yourself.

I Loved It

Uhhhh This Book Is Beautiful. Read It If You Havent Already.

Esperanza Rising

FYI: This book, *Esperanza Rising: Esperanza RENACE*, is in SPANISH! For the ENGLISH version be sure to order simply *Esperanza RISING*. Esperanza Rising is a wonderful coming-of-age novel set in the Great Depression, first in Mexico, then in Southern California. Esperanza is a young Mexican girl from a well-to-family, accustomed to being spoiled and always getting her way. When the family is forced to split up and flee the country for the States, will Esperanza have what it takes to help her family cross the border illegally, farm in the hot California sun and take care of the young children? You must read to find out! P.S. This novel is great for teaching grade school students about the Depression and immigration.

The greatest book ever

I have the exact book you may want to read its called Esperenza Rising,by Pam Munoz Ryan this book is filled with lots of excitement. For example I liked this book because it talks about nature,and how Esperenza learned how to do new things. When her father died,she moved to the United States where life was different,and harder.She learned how to take care of the babies. Her mother got very ill;the doctors thought she wouldn't make it.Even though Esperenza has to take care of the babies,she also worked.She needed to earn money so she could bring her grandma. Her mother misses her,but she is very ill,and cant come home. Esperenza is very sad Esperenza had lots of problems,but she is fixed them,and that's what made this book awesome.

Esperanza, Up you Go

Pam Muniz has become a "3 thumbs up" writer of "the changes in life." She will make you laugh, feel sad, and be impressed about the books. This is the best story ever written. All of you millionaires better be prepared to have a change of a lifetime. One day you could be with all the money, the next day you might be broke. Esperanza had it all when she was small, but when she started to pass through a very hard and rough life. It was like one day she was in heaven and the other day she was in the land of devils with pain, and insults. Prepare to discover Esperanza's easy life in Mexico and hard life in California. Where in Mexico she had everything until a tragedy happens and changes her life forever. Also , get ready to see what happens to Esperanza and her mother in California. Could it be bad or good? The best part to read in this book is, where they talk about their traditions. When they say when they are done and what does it mean to them. If you are some one that love s to read about childhood crushes then the beginning of the story is right for you. (This was also on of my favorite parts, too.) Another book that is similar to this is Out of the Dust. This book is abut during the same time period. I think if you enjoy Esperanza Rising, you will like this book, too. It's about the same but with different characters and problems.

A POIGNANT STORY THOUGHTFULLY READ

With a story that parallels the actual experiences of her grandmother, Pam Munoz Ryan has fashioned a moving and inspirational tale. It is ably read by the talented Trini Alvarado. Esperanza Ortega lived a privileged existence in Aguascacientes, Mexico during the early 1920s. Her luxurious family home was tended by servants, and she anticipated a lifetime of ease when she grew up and came to oversee El Rancho de las Rosas. Her dream was shattered when Esperanza and her mother were forced to leave Mexico and migrate to a company owned farm labor camp in California. Now, not only were their days defined by drudgery but many of their own people did not accept them. All of this was exacerbated by the Great Depression and its attendant economic difficulties. The plight of the migrant workers is vividly presented in this poignant novel so thoughtfully read by Ms. Alvarado.