Esperanza Rising by Pat Munoz Ryan

I re-read the book Esperanza Rising this week.  I read it quite a few years ago, and wanted to read it again.  It is the story of Esperanza, who grew up the daughter of a wealthy land owner in Mexico.  When her father dies, she and her mother are forced to move to California and start their lives over.  The story is moving as you read about Esperanza's transformation as she deals with the challenges of her new life.  It also paints a vivid picture of what life was like for Mexican immigrants in the 1930's/1940's.  


Even though the book deals with heavier issues, it is enjoyable to read.  Esperanza's struggle to learn how to do the simplest things like taking care of babies and sweeping are giggle-worthy.  The family relationships are beautiful, and there is a lot of love in this book.  


I think this book is a nice companion to Out of the Dust, which we will read this year in 7th grade.  It's the other side of the story.  In Out of the Dust, the main character talks about everyone leaving the Midwest during the dust bowl.  In Esperanza Rising, one of the problems for the main character is the influx of American workers moving in and displacing the Mexican workers.  It's kind of interesting to see both sides of the story.  It also ties into what is happening here in this country today.  We are still having disagreements over Mexican immigration.  


Do you have a book you want to share?  Email me at mrs.schuette at gmail.com a short highlight of the novel, and I'll post it on here.  Happy reading :)