Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Required Multicultural Text
This is an uplifting story about a young girl of 13 who must endure the difficult challenges she faces in her life. Esperanza grew up on a wealthy ranch in Mexico, where she lives with her adoring father, mother, grandmother, and a family of servants. When her father is suddenly killed, her evil uncles take over burning down their house, and indirectly forcing Esperanza, her mother and the servant family out of the country. When they get to California, Esperanza's life is completely reversed. She is no longer a princess who can wear pretty dresses and play with dolls all day, she is forced to be a field worker besides her friend Miguel, one of her previous servants. This part of the book is very depressing as she struggles with the loss of her father and the transition into this new life. She is forced to adapt to this hard working life as her mother is sick for months with Valley Fever. Esperanza works to save her money to pay the hospital bills and to get her grandmother, who they left in Mexico, over the border. Miguel secretly steals the money and brings her grandmother back with him as her mother returns to health. This book ends with a very positive message as Esperanza is able to regain strength in her life and overcome life's obstacles. I really enjoyed the main two quotes and themes throughout the story; "Wait a little while and the fruit will fall into your hand," "Do not ever be afraid to start over." Both of these quotes are talking about the many challenges we face in life. Tragedies and hard times will happen and sometimes come out of no where, but it is okay to start over, as long as you keep working, things will get better. I think this book is great for the classroom because of the message and the struggle in historical context.
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