Esperanza Rising: Key Concepts and Themes

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan follows Esperanza Ortega, a privileged girl in 1930s Mexico, whose life changes after her father's death. Facing threats from her uncles, Esperanza and her family flee to California, where they become migrant workers. Despite hardships, including her mother's illness and a workers' strike, Esperanza learns resilience and hope. The story highlights themes of family, social class, and perseverance.

What is the main setting of Esperanza's early life?

• A bustling city

• A coastal town

• A small village

• A large ranch

Who are Luis and Marco in relation to Esperanza?

• Her cousins

• Her father's stepbrothers

• Her uncles

• Her neighbors

What event forces Esperanza and her family to flee to California?

• A drought

• An earthquake

• A fire

• A flood

How does Esperanza feel about traveling in the same train car as peasants?

• Amused

• Terrified

• Excited

• Indifferent

What is Esperanza's initial reaction to the living conditions in California?

• She is pleased

• She is shocked

• She is indifferent

• She is amused

What illness does Mama contract in California?

• Tuberculosis

• Influenza

• Pneumonia

• Valley fever

What does Esperanza do to help Marta during the strike?

• She hides her

• She helps her dress as a worker

• She calls the police

• She gives her money

What surprise does Miguel bring back from Mexico?

• A new job

• A pet

• Abuelita

• A letter

What lesson does Esperanza learn by the end of the story?

• Always seek revenge

• Family and resilience are important

• Wealth is everything

• Never trust anyone

What profession did Pam Munoz Ryan initially pursue?

• Teacher

• Engineer

• Lawyer

• Doctor