Esperanza Rising

by Pam Munoz Ryan

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2000. ESPERANZA RISING. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439120411

B. SUMMARY

With the sudden and tragic death of her father, Esperanza is forced to leave behind the fun and frivolity of her family's ranch in Mexico and begin a new life as a migrant worker in California during the Great Depression. Esperanza endures her new life reluctantly but bravely with her mother and other extended family members. When her mother falls ill, Esperanza musters the courage and strength to go on - because her life and that of her mother depends on it. Faced with adversity and challenge, Esperanze learns what is most important in life to her and how to be strong and independent.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Based on the life of author Pam Munoz Ryan's grandmother, the historical fiction work Esperanza Rising is set in depression-era 1930's California. Very respectfully and realistically, Munoz deals with racial issues such as immigration, discrimination, segregation and family.

The most obvious cultural marker is the title of each chapter, written in both English and Spanish. The titles, interestingly, are not about the upcoming events in the story, they are fruits from the various seasons that Esperanza experiences. For example, two of the chapters are titled Las Guayabas (guavas) and Las Ciruelas (plums). Miguel often refers to Esperanza as mi reina or my queen. Mija (a shortened form of mi hija) is a term of endearment that is used by Esperanza's mom for her. Another example is the word vaqueros, Spanish for the cowboys or ranch workers. Throughout the entire work, Spanish words are dropped in intermittently, not in a way that detracts but actually adds to the story being told.

Ryan demonstrates the prejudice that took place in the campesinos - camps - without preaching or being overly dramatic with little things such as noting that the Mexican camps did not have hot water but the workers from Oklahoma did. At one point Miguel shares with Esperanza that "Americans see us as one big, brown group who are good for only manual labor." At various times the story is infused with instances such as these that add to the authenticity of the story.

Other cultural markers noted were foods more traditional in Mexican homes such as papaya, coconut, lime, tortillas, cantaloupe, chorizo and cafe'. The construction of the little shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe alludes to the family's Catholic faith. Also references to skin color can be noted such as when the doctor comes to check on Esperanza's mother. He is "...American, light and blond," as opposed to the main characters who have a browner complexion.

At the end of the book is an extended note from the author explaining the background of the book and from where she received her inspiration.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Booklist: "Ryan writes movingly in clear, poetic language that children will sink into, and the books offers excellent opportunities for discussion and curriculum support."

School Library Journal: "Ryan uses the experiences of her own Mexican grandmother as the basis for this compelling story of immigration and assimilation, not only to a new country but also into a different social class."

AWARDS:

2002 Pura Belpre Award Winner

2001 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

2000 Smithsonian Notable Books for Children

2000 Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

E. CONNECTIONS

Other books by Pam Munoz Ryan include:

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 1999. RIDING FREEDOM. ISBN 0439087961

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2005. BECOMING NAOMI LEON. ISBN 0439269970

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2005. MICE AND BEANS. ISBN 0439701368

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2007. PAINT THE WIND. ISBN 04397873622.

For those who may want more information about Ms. Ryan, visit her website at http://www.pammunozryan.com