Esperanza Rising

Pam Munoz Ryan's Esperanza Rising really hit close to home for me, which was totally unexpected. My great-great grandfather, David Patten Black, fled to Chihuahua, Mexico in the late 1800's, to escape the marshals that were hunting down polygamists. There, he met my great-great grandmother (and a second wife), and lived a successful life as a horse-breaker and the sheriff of his town. But, in 1912, Poncho Villa came through and told everyone to clear out unless they wanted to meet their maker. My great-great grandfather's neighbors didn't want to leave their settled land, successful farms, etc. He didn't want to either, but he picked up his wives, kids and a few belongings and left for safety. He did, however, feel an obligation to his neighbors and friends and came back to try to convince them one more time to leave with his family, but when he got back into town, it was too late and everyone had been slaughtered and robbed.

His family, much like Esperanza's family, had to start again with nothing but $25.00 to their name. They had to leave the life they knew for a life of impoverished uncertainty. I found it really interesting that my family history aligned so neatly with the events that occurred during Esperanza Rising. That all being said, my family didn't become migrant workers, and weren't driven out of their home country. Nevertheless, the similarities are there.

In general, Esperanza Rising offers a great look into the experiences of Mexican families during the Mexican revolution, as well as migrant families and workers. It also tackles class issues and hierarchy within the Latino community, something which I think is often overlooked. Even more interestingly, Esperanza Rising also addresses the differences of being Spanish, Mexican, etc., and how people are treated differently based on their roots. Again, this is not a topic that is often discussed as being a problem outside of the dominant culture.

In specific regard to adolescents, I think this novel is a valuable read. It really provides those "windows and mirrors" opportunities. Students will be able to look into Esperanza Rising and see themselves in Esperanza's character. They will be able to identify with teen angst, identity struggles as well as have the opportunity to address the idea of a world outside of themselves (moving away from egocentricity). They will also be able to look into the text and empathize with the struggles of a friend or a neighbor going through financial troubles, or with Esperanza herself. These are important experiences to have.

Also, they will get to learn a few new words in Spanish. An ever expanding vocabulary is never a bad thing.