Author Question

Write a question for the author, Pam Munoz Ryan.

Introduction

If you were to write an introduction to a sequel to this novel, what would happen to Esperanza, her family, and friends?

Great Day of Blogging - Themes

How does Esperanza change throughout the story and how does her development reflect the main themes?

Conversation with Mama

Mama just got out of the hospital and it has been a very long time since Esperanza has seen her.  Esperanza has a lot to tell Mama about what has happened over the last five months.  What would you choose to tell Mama about first?  Write from the perspective of Esperanza.

Experiences

How do our experiences change us and cause us to grow?

Heartbeat

Why is Esperanza once again able to hear the heartbeat of the earth?

Marta

Esperanza makes a decision to assist Marta.  What does this reveal about Esperanza's character?

Proverb

He who falls today may rise tomorrow.  Explain the meaning of the Mexican proverb.

Pam Munoz Ryan

Write a question for the author, Pam Munoz Ryan.

Striking

Do you think the farm workers could improve their lives without striking?  Why or why not?

Groceries

Why does Miguel shop for groceries at a store that is far away from the camp?

Change

What does the change in Esperanza's hands symbolize?

While reading the

Obstacles

How do people overcome obstacles?

Miguel and the Railroad

While thinking about everything that has been happening in the lives of the characters, why is the railroad job so important to Miguel?

Themes

What themes are emerging in Esperanza Rising?

Your Impressions

What are your impressions of the novel Esperanza Rising?

Changes

Martha and the Strikers want to change conditions for the workers. Tell about a situation in society that you would like to change.

Question to Author

Write a question for the author, Pam Munoz Ryan.

Metaphor

What is the meaning of the following metaphor?  What is being compared?  
Would she [Esperanza] ever escape this valley she was living in?  This valley of Mama being sick?

GREAT DAY OF BLOGGING!!!

Welcome to the GREAT DAY OF BLOGGING!!   

Why do you think the author uses the names of fruits and vegetables as the titles of the book's chapters?

Las Papas/Potatoes

What is the meaning of the following simile? What is being compared?

It had settled on the world, covering everything like a suede.

Situations

How do people adapt to different situations?

Crocheted Blanket

Las Papas/Potatoes

Why does Esperanza continue working on the crocheted blanket Abuelita had begun?

After the Dust Storm

After the dust storm, Momma is the only one of the workers in the cabin to become ill. How does her illness affect Esperanza?

TEACHERS

Reminder:  Please remember that the pages for the first annual eBook with student work is due by this Friday.  Please let us know what we can do to help.

Thank you.

Dust Storm

Students, What might the dust storm symbolize?

Things Can Change

Esperanza's mother tells her: Esperanza, if we had stayed in Mexico and I had married Tio Luis, we could have had one choice. To be apart and miserable.  Here, we have two choices. To be together and miserable or to be together and happy.  Mija, we have each other and Abuelita will come. How would she want you to behave?  I choose to be happy. So which will you choose?" (page 104)  
How did Esperanza change after her mother said this?  What advice has a friend or family member give that has helped you?  Please explain.

Hello Teachers!   I am in need of your name and school if you can leave that for me in comments.  Thank you!

Questions for Author

Write a question for the author, Pam Munoz Ryan.

Rags or Riches

Esperanza's old life is very different from Isabel's life.  Which one of their lives would you prefer and why?

Esperanza's New Reality

Now that Esperanza and her companions have made it to the United States, how has her reality changed?

Memories of Mexico

Las Ciruelas, Las Papas
What is happening to Esperanza's memories about life in Mexico?  Has this every happened to you?

Home in America

Describe the cabin the Esperanza must live in in America.  How does this home compare to her home in Mexico?   Cite Evidence.

Los Almendras (Almonds)

Why are Mama and Esperanza so emotionally affected by the rose bushes Miguel and Alphonso plant?  Cite evidence.

Characters

Do the characters in the novel see the move to America as positive change or negative change?   Site evidence.

Leaving Home

Why do Mama, Esperanza, and Hortensia have to leave at night hidden in a wagon?

Write a poem describing a character.

Write a poem that describes a character in the book Esperanza Rising.

Story Structures

Hello Family,

In the story Esperanza Rising what are some text structures you are noticing? Explain why knowing the text structure is important when reading a story?

A Farewell Letter from Esperanza

Pretend you are Esperanza and that you are preparing to leave your home in Mexico for the United States.   Write a farewell letter to your best friend Marisol Rodriguez explaining the reasons for your departure and how you feel about it.

Compare and Contrast

Today, we would like you to compare and contrast the train ride Miguel and Esperanza took as children to the one they take after fleeing El Rancho de las Rosa.

Comparing Yourself

When Esperanza begins her journey to the Rodriguez's ranch, what is she giving up?  Compare yourself to Esperanza.  Have you ever had to give anything up?

Add your School Name

STUDENTS - Please remember to add just your school name at the end of your post so we can be sure you are getting credit for blogging.   Schools that blog the most will be in the top selections for a visit with the author.

Keep up the good work and keep blogging!

Emerging Themes

GREAT DAY OF BLOGGING!

What themes are emerging in Esperanza Rising?

Figurative Language

What does Esperanza mean when she says to Miguel that there is a "deep river" that runs between us?

Two pieces of Advice

What two pieces of advice does Abuelita give Esperanza?   How does Esperanza respond to the advice?

Freedom

How can people promote freedom?