13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ryan Delivers Hope With Esperanza Rising, November 14, 2002
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Esperanza renace: (Spanish language edition of Esperanza Rising) (Spanish Edition) (Mass Market Paperback)
Esperanza Rising is the story of a girl of the same name, who has to change her entire life. But, this book is really about overcoming personal difficulties, enduring hard times, and surviving no matter what.
The story is something I can relate to because it is like my life. If you are not familiar with Hispanic culture you may not be interested in this book, though the attitudes and some spoken Spanish, like the birthday song, might intrigue you. Although Ryan didn't do a particularly good job of conveying the Hispanic culture, her writing and storytelling will make the reader want to continue reading.
Esperanza, her mother, and grandmother live together. Family circumstances cause Esparanza's family to move to America where her
mother has to work in the fields of California as a laborer. Because Esperanza is used to wealth, she is very unhappy being poor in America. How she overcomes her poverty is the story.
The character Esperanza is based on Esperanza Ortega, Ryan's grandmother, her real life experience living on a hacienda in Mexico and later coming to America. Through Esperanza, Ryan shows how her own family made it through a tough time and survived - showing if you work hard enough and are not afraid to start again, you can resolve any problem big or small. Is it a coincidence that in Spanish, "esperanza" means "hope"?
If you choose not to read this book you are missing an opportunity. It will mean a lot to you and maybe teach you something. Take my word. You have to read this book.
Pam Munoz Ryan also wrote Riding Freedom, her most famous book to date, which won the Willa Literary Award, the I.R.A. Teacher's Choice Award, Parenting Magazine's Reading Magic Award, the 1999-2000 California Young Reader Medal, was a 1999-2000 Texas Bluebonnet Award Finalist, and a Pan West Award Finalist.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amrita speaks, December 15, 2006
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Esperanza renace: (Spanish language edition of Esperanza Rising) (Spanish Edition) (Mass Market Paperback)
I think esperanza rising is a great book.It teaches you how to stay calm in times of depression.I also think that people should read this book because it has a wonderful script and teaches you to be kind to others who are mean to you.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Esperanza Rising, December 27, 2008
This review is from: Esperanza renace: (Spanish language edition of Esperanza Rising) (Spanish Edition) (Mass Market Paperback)
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.
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