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?