Esperanza Rising tells the story of a young Mexican
girl living during the time of the Great Depression. Her life starts off
on a sprawling farm in Mexico until tragedy strikes and she is forced to move.
I do not want to give away anything else because I think this book is a
must read!
One of my favorite parts:
"'Shhh,' he said. 'You can only feel the
earth's heartbeat when you are still and quiet.'
She swallowed her laughter and after a moment said,
'I can't hear it, Papi.'
'Aguantate tantino y la fruta caera en tu mano,' he
said. 'Wait a little while and the fruit will fall into your hand.You
must be patient Esperanza.'
She waited and lay silent, watching Papa's eyes.
And then she felt it. Softly at first. A gentle
thumping. Then stronger. A resounding thud, thud, thud against her body.
She could hear it too. The beat rushing in
her ears shoomp, shoomp shoomp.
She stared at Papa, not wanting to say a word.
Not wanting to forget the the feel of the heart of the valley.
She pressed closer to the ground, until her body
was breathing with the earth's. And with Papa's. The three hearts
beating together." (Ryan, 2005)
This book starts off strong (excerpt from pages
2-3)
Lesson ideas for this book:
•
Symbolism: dolls, rivers, fruit
•
Character motivation
•
Character growth
•
Class differences
•
Language
•
Historical fiction
•
Mentor text for writing vivid scenery, small
moments
•
So many more! Read this now!
This book is available in English and Spanish.
My only complaint? It should have won the Newberry!
Ryan, P.M. (2005). Esperanza Rising. Scholastic Inc. New York, NY
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