Though I appreciate much of what the book says, I had my own personal problems with the presentation. The strikers are presented as alternately foolhardy and violent. They are lead by a girl, Marta, who is introduced by teasing Esperanza for being once so rich, now so low. These strikers are never joined by any of the main characters in this book, save Marta. In the Author's Note, Ryan explains that strikers fought for better living conditions and were sometimes shipped back to Mexico without any justification on the officials' part. In some cases the strikers lost. "In other instances, the strong voices of many people changed some of the pitiful conditions". Yet we do not see any evidence of this in the book. Instead, the reader is left with the very clear feeling that it is easier to be a scab like Esperanza's friend Miguel rather than risk everything for the good of others. I know it is not the author's intent to present this point of view, but this is unfortunately the lesson learned. After all, in a section where Esperanza fights with Miguel in a field about the hopelessness of their situation, Miguel argues that, "everything will work out". Esperanza reacts violently, saying that this way of thinking is not productive. The obvious conclusion being drawn is that Miguel should do something about his situation. Quoth Miguel, " `You are beginning to sound like the strikers, Esperanza', said Miguel coldly. `There is more than one way to get what you want in this country'." Maybe so, Miguel. But that particular way helped improve the lives of countless Latin American immigrants in America. It's just a pity Ryan fails to acknowledge this fact in her story.


A POIGNANT STORY THOUGHTFULLY READ   March 31, 2001
 16 out of 18 found this review helpful

With a story that parallels the actual experiences of her grandmother, Pam Munoz Ryan has fashioned a moving and inspirational tale. It is ably read by the talented Trini Alvarado.

Esperanza Ortega lived a privileged existence in Aguascacientes, Mexico during the early 1920s. Her luxurious family home was tended by servants, and she anticipated a lifetime of ease when she grew up and came to oversee El Rancho de las Rosas.

Her dream was shattered when Esperanza and her mother were forced to leave Mexico and migrate to a company owned farm labor camp in California. Now, not only were their days defined by drudgery but many of their own people did not accept them. All of this was exacerbated by the Great Depression and its attendant economic difficulties.

The plight of the migrant workers is vividly presented in this poignant novel so thoughtfully read by Ms. Alvarado.


Cross the River With Esperanza!   October 14, 2000
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

There are many books and movies out there about young people and their families as they struggle to survive in Mexico and then in California when they decide to cast their lot with the American Dream...Esperanza has everything she could ever want or need on her father's El Rancho de las Rosas near Aguascalientes, Mexico, when he is killed by bandits in 1924. Esperanza and her mother must flee their ranch and her evil uncles, with the help of their loyal servants. She loses every privelege she had when she crosses the river to Southern California, where she must confront her own issues of classism and work to save her mother's life. Very exciting book! The friendship between Miguel. the son of her family's servants, helps Esperanza learn that they are equals in their newly adopted country. The author tells us that this is a fictionalized account of how her real abuelita came to the United States, which makes the story even more enjoyable. Can't wait to have my students read this book!


Esperanza Levantamiento   November 13, 2002
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Esperanza Rising is a very unique story about the journey of a young Spanish girl, Esperanza Ortega Munoz Hernandez Elegart. Unlike any book I have ever read, it was easy to get caught up in rooting for Esperanza. Spanish words, culture and traditions are woven in throughout the story. Pam Munoz Ryan was inspired to write this story from the tales her own abuela told her as a child. Esperanza Rising will inspire you to enjoy what you have, persevere in the trials in your life, and not be afraid to try new things.
There are many poor individuals in Mexico; however Esperanza has everything a young girl her age could wish for: lovely dresses, expensive dolls, and her own maid to play with and clean up after her. Of all these things, her most valuable possession is the abundance of love she has from her Mama and Papa. Esperanza spends her days outdoors in the beauty of nature doing whatever she feels like at the moment. Her Papa always gives her whatever she wishes; Esperanza doesn't realize how very blessed she is. Yet this is not meant to last forever.
It is harvest time, Esperanza's most favorite days. Each day is long and lazy with the pleasant aroma of green vines full of plump grapes about to drop. Also, each year after harvest time there is a great fiesta with singing, feasting and gifts for Esperanza's birthday. This year was to be even more special for she was turning thirteen. Every year for her birthday, Esperanza knows she can count on receiving a beautiful porcelain doll from her loving Papa, but a tragedy causes this to be the last time that she ever will. She and her mother's lives are turned upside down and they are forced to immigrate away from the ranch they know and love. Esperanza cringes away from the dirt and poor way of life, so strikingly different from what she is used to. For instance her new chores of sweeping and caring for babies would better be done by girls half her age. In spite of her haughty attitude there is much for her to learn here from people who have genuine joy and love for each other. Will Esperanza give up or will she persevere through the trials.
At first, every night she cries herself to sleep from the horrible ache of missing her dear papa. The fairy-tale life full of splendor was over and made way for the new simple life. In many ways it was better than before because of what she had learned. At first Esperanza feared she would never be happy here far from home, but all that changed. By keeping a positive attitude and not being afraid of new things, Esperanza was able to rise above her doubts and fears.
Esperanza Rising will inspire you to enjoy what you have, persevere in the trials in your life, and not be afraid to try new things. Simple pleasures are the best things in life. Hard-earned food and shelter are much more enjoyable when you deserve them, Esperanza learns. She will never, ever forget her past and her heart will never stop aching for Papa, but she can live a joyful life with those she loves and is loved by.