Esperanza Rising - Book Review

United States of America is a land of immigrants. Every immigrant has a story to tell and have experiences to share. Esperanza Rising is one such book where the Protagonist Esperanza's life switches from one side of the river to other side with the blink of an eye.

My 5th grade son had this book for his recommended reading list and as a class they read it for a quarter. When he was half way through he told me that I should give it a try. This time we didn't buy the book therefore once he finished reading it, he rented one through his digital library and insisted me to read it and write a review. Here I am with my thoughts...




Our lead character lives in Mexico and enjoys her life as a Pampered Princess. Unexpected chain of events forces her not only to flee her home country and also makes her a poor peasant.

The Author Pam Munoz Ryan wrote the story from real life incidence of her grandmother Esperanza so there are so many heart touching and tear jerking moments are present. The story also teaches the History of USA and Mexico in 1920s.

The life of an immigrant workers at the Los Angeles farms and their living condition at the camp comes alive in front of our eyes as we read through the book. Not only immigrants from Mexico, Japan, Philippines, even people from Texas, Oklahoma were ready to work in those poor conditions and for minimum wages just to feed their families. 


PC - Google


Even though it aches to read the history I wasn't surprised at it. What can we expect at the time when slavery and segregations were very much at practice.

The Author represented the chapters of the book with the names of the crop that the farm plant for each season which is unique.

The Book has so many characters and every one of their perspective forms the story. The unexpected events makes it interesting and gripping.

I would strongly recommend this book to everyone. It not only teaches the history and also the biggest life lesson " Live your life as it comes to you". 

I liked the ending note that the author highlighted " Do Not Ever Be Afraid To Start Over"!!!

P.S. The book is very descriptive and filled with emotions. It kind of surprised me to know that my son liked this book.


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