Esperanza Rising Review Sheet
“Avocados”
--Esperanza is working and notices her hands are cut and scarred. They no longer look like a wealthy woman’s hands.
-- She rubs the avocados on her hands to soften them with the oils.
-- Esperanza finds out that Mama has pneumonia and she can’t see her for a month.
-- They go to Mr. Yakota’s market because he treats Mexicans better than other store owners do.
-- They go to the campesino and see Marta. Esperanza gives the family food and a piñata.
-- Miguel announces he got a job at the railroad
“Asparagus”
--There is a sweep and the strikers are taken away
-- Esperanza helps Marta escape the sweep. She hides her behind the crates of asparagus
-The piñata that Esperanza gave to the children is ripped apart
“Peaches”
-Isabel is praying a novena to be Queen of the May
-Josefina tells Esperanza that even though Isabel has the best grades, she probably will not be chosen as Queen of the May because she is Mexican
-Isabel tells everyone that they are building a new pool for the Oklahoma workers and that the Mexicans will only be able to use it on Fridays because Saturday is the day the clean it. Esperanza becomes angry at this.
-Miguel announces that his boss has demoted him to digging ditches because the Oklahoma workers will now be working on the railroad even though Miguel is more qualified.
-Esperanza becomes enraged at this and storms out to the vineyard. Miguel follows her and they argue. (Re-read p. 221-224)
-Isabel doesn’t become queen of the May. Esperanza gives Isabel her doll to make her feel better and to bring it to school and show her classmates.
-Mama is getting better and is preparing to come home. Esperanza is getting ready for her homecoming.
-Miguel is gone
-Esperanza’s money orders are gone
“Grapes”
-Esperanza is throwing a homecoming party for Mama.
- Miguel returns with Abuelita
- Abuelita reunites with Mama. Esperanza tells Abuelita about their year in America. They crochet together.
- Esperanza and Miguel lie on the grass and Esperanza tells him to listen to the earth’s heartbeat
- They have a celebration for Esperanza’s birthday
- Abuelita and Esperanza teach Isabel to crochet. “Don’t be afraid to start over”