Esperanza Rising by Ryan, Pam Munoz
Is anybody interested in reading a book this month? Here is what someone said about the book:
This exciting, well-written historical novel is based on the true-life experiences of the author's grandmother, Esperanza Ortega. Thirteen-year-old Esperanza and her newly widowed mother are forced to leave their fairytale existence at beautiful Rancho de las Rosas in Mexico, to live and work in a migrant worker camp in the San Joaquin Valley during the Great Depression. Adjustments to her new life are difficult for Esperanza¾the harsh living conditions and hard labor are so different from her earlier life of privilege and wealth, especially after Mama becomes seriously ill with valley fever. But like the phoenix in her beloved grandma's story, Esperanza endures, "Rising again, with a new life ahead..." The author does a very good job of portraying the caring and solidarity, as well as the hardships, of Mexican-American labor camps of the era. An author's note is included. This book would be a great choice for a multicultural collection. Children's Literature Review
7 comments:
I haven't read this book before but I want to. I think it is simple and fast - does that mean others are more inclined to read it? I hope so.
Not Reading Much,
ShaLisa
ps I am reading Infinate Atonement and it has me in awe.
No baby yet, I'm feeling trapped in my own body. Help!!!
I am enjoying the rapunzel song thanks for adding it Amy--it reminds me of my daughter and makes me happy! I want to read all these books, someday...someday...
yea! Christmas Music! :)
Wow, what a fun background and fun music. Thank you Amy. How is everyone doing? I would love to hear updates.
Erin, are you reading anything? I would love to join you. It is your turn to pick a book for December.
I read Esperanza Rising and I really liked it. I have consistently wondered if spoiling children make them selfish. Is it the having of things that makes a person selfish? Sometimes, perhaps. Esperanza was not selfish when she was rich but she didn't understand what it was like to be poor until it happened. You couldn't teach her that. She had to experience it. Still, she was up to the challenge and showed a strong character and I appreciated her story and the angle it was written from.
Amie, how are you and your little baby?
I had to speak in church last Christmas and now they are asking me to do it this Christmas. Bah Humbug!
Loving Little Flynn,
ShaLisa
ShaLisa I really loved this book, thank you for recommending it! I finally found it, started it, lost it, found it again, then finished it. Yes, it was a simple and fast juvenile fiction but it was extremely sweet. I appreciate a book being written simply that can still have as much meaning and learning as this book does.
I love a book that makes me think and even though this book is for children, I believe it leaves you the opportunity to take it to the length you wish as a reader. This book to me was about different people and different lifestyles, many different types of prejudices, including money, lifestyle as well as race, and living honorably and with respect. It was a book about dreaming and hope, one I think after having read with children, you could refer back to in life with them. As most books that endear me to them, this book struck many chords, one small one was the afghan. I remember almost exactly at Esperanza's age learning to crochet a zig zag quilt. I loved the symbolism of the up and down and what the blanket itself symbolized. I loved the dearness of family. I loved that this book was written for children, because even though it was written simply, it was also innocent, and I could gain and not be distracted by adult content like so many of its adult counterparts. I think I want to live forever as a child.
I love this book so much I will buy it, and I can't wait to read it with my children. Thank for choosing it ShaLisa. I hope you liked it too. I hope this makes sense because guess what, I don't have time to read and edit it (again!)
Lindsay
Oh, I do have to add one more thing. I LOVED the post script about the author and love knowing the author of a book as a person who had a story to tell. I love that Esperanza's story was based after her own grandmother.
I loved the cute literature circle questions at the end of my copy. Such a sweet book, with meaning.
Linday!
Post a Comment