Esperanza Rising

ISBN-10

043912042X

ISBN-13

978-0-439-12042-5

Author

Ryan, Pam Munoz

Publisher

Scholastic

Copyright

2000

Lexile

750L

Genre

Historical Fiction

Synopsis

This novel tells of a Mexican girl's fall from riches and her immigration to California in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. The story highlights her awareness of Mexico's post-revolution tensions, the rivalry with Oklahoma Dust Bowl victims, and struggles of Mexican workers trying to organize themselves to ask the U.S. government for better living conditions. Esperanza must rise above the financial challenges and lack of acceptance to help her mother and build her life.

Themes

Grief and Loss; Immigration; Family Dynamics

Protagonist

Female; Mexican American; Immigrant

Setting

California, US; Rural

Note

The page numbers in this lesson plan refer to the paperback ISBN 978-0-439-12042-5 edition, first printed June 2007. Page numbers may vary by edition.