Youth Book Club Kit Questions
Esperanza Rising
By Pam Munoz Ryan
1. This is a story about staring over after losing almost everything. What does Esperanza manage to keep from her previous life? Where does she find the energy to build a new life in the U.S.?
2. This is also a story about what’s important in life. What does she learn in the course of the story? Who do you think are her “Teachers”?
3. “There is no rose without thorns”. What does Abuelita mean when she says this to Esperanza? Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? How does Abuelita’s statement apply to Esperanza’s life?
4. What are economic and/or social classes and how are they different in different countries and cultures? Or are they?
5. How does Esperanza’s relationship with Miguel changes between the beginning and the end of the story?
6. The book, set in 1930, brings up questions of immigration, labor unions, and basic human rights. These issues are still relevant. Are the workers treated fairly by “The Company”? Why would the company behave this way? Do you sympathize with the strikers or not? Why do you think the “Okies” accept lower wages?
7. What is Esperanza looking for when she lies on the ground to hear the heartbeat of the land?
8. What do you think the author was trying to accomplish by writing this book? Did she succeed?
9. At the end of the story do you feel hopeful about the characters and their lives? Why or why not?