TeachPeaceNow

Book Title Esperanza Rising
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Author Pam Munoz Ryan

This title fits these categories:

Racial awareness: Shows diverse people living their lives in realistic ways.

Racial pride: Provides a strong, positive female role model for diverse children

Racial issue: Shows historical or contemporary inequality based on race.

Activist: Shows ways we can make a difference in the fight against racism.

Acceptable grade levels: Upper elementary, middle school, high school

Classification: Historical Fiction

Concepts/ Topics covered in book:

This book deals with Mexican coming to America for migrant farm work. It focuses on the racial prejudice they encounter and also on the class prejudice within their own culture. Set in the 1930’s in California, it deals with labor organization and activism in order to improve the lives of migrant farm workers. It is based on a true story.

Guiding Questions/ Activities

Why is Esperanza so unaware of the lives of other people? What are some events that slowly help Esperanza develop empathy? What are some of the things she says and does that demonstrate her lack of understanding and eventually her growing empathy and wisdom?

More questions and activities can be found at the author’s website. There is also a link to a student-created website. If you use this book do check out this site.
http://www.pammunozryan.com/esper.html

Comments:

Pura Belpre Medal
Jane Addams Peace Award
2001 ALA Top Ten books for Young Adults
Smithsonian Best Books
LA Times Best Books

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