Esperanza Rising

By: Pam Munoz Ryan

Narrated by: Trini Alvarado

Esperanza Ortega possesses all the treasures a young girl could want: fancy dresses; a beautiful home filled with servants in the bountiful region of Aguascalientes, Mexico; and the promise of one day rising to Mama's position and presiding over all of El Rancho de las Rosas.

But a sudden tragedy shatters that dream, forcing Esperanza and Mama to flee to California and settle in a Mexican farm labor camp. There they confront the challenges of hard work, acceptance by their own people, and economic difficulties brought on by the Great Depression. When Mama falls ill from Valley Fever and a strike for better working conditions threatens to uproot their new life, Esperanza must relinquish her hold on the past and learn to embrace a future ripe with the riches of family and community.

Pam Munoz Ryan eloquently portrays the Mexican workers' plight in this abundant and passionate novel that gives voice to those who have historically been denied one.

©2000 Pam Munoz Ryan (P)2001 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint of Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Rich in history and culture, this novel is all the more successful in the audio format." (AudioFile Magazine)

"Ryan writes movingly in clear, poetic language that children will sink into."(Booklist)

Amazing Performance

I got this Audiobook to listen in class for my students. I having an american accent when speaking spanish often incorrectly pronounce words. Trini Alvarado does an amazing job reading one of my favorite childhood stories. Everyone should know Esperanzas journey.

An enjoyable book

I found this book very interesting and easy to follow. excellent for young readers/listeners. I enjoyed the narration, as it was clear but animated.

Beautiful

As a children's book aficionado, I have loved this book for years, it is one of my favorites. Trini Alvarado's reading was perfect, her accent staying true to the novel. I cried tears listening to it as I did reading it many times before. The only thing I wish is that it was read a bit slower as is my preference, but still 5 stars for bringing the story to life.

Beautiful

This is a beautiful story and it is well performed. My students (5th grade) love listening to it in class. Chapter 12 is fuzzy and broken up at the end - does anyone else have this problem with the recording? Otherwise, love it!

You must read

Great book study in 5th-grade! The metaphors are meaningful and sweet. We can all learn something from this book!

5th Grade Novel Study

I had to read this novel over the summer to prepare for my 5th grade reading classes. This is the book I decided to start the semester off with. I think my students will really be able to make connections with the story. We live in rural West Texas. Many families go to Mexico every weekend to visit their families. There were a few moments young Esperanza’s character was hard to listen to, but I couldn’t stop listening. The plot is wonderful with many opportunities to practice mental images!

This book was amazing!

I definitely recommend this book to everyone it was a very good and exciting book 😁

liked it

it was a great book I only wish that Maine character married Miguel it would have made the best book ever that because she didn't it was a little hard just finishing it

It’s the best so many details

If you like lots of details and ups and downs than read this book. It’s sad angry spoiler when there dad dies it’s really sad so if you like sadness anger confusion and crime than read this book it’s really good i highly HIGHLY suggest this book it’s amazing long funny just read it to see how good it is spoiler alert she is kinda spoiled and a little mean to poor people but she gets nicer and just READ IT NOW

very engaging story with historical detail

very engaging story with well folded in historical details. Extensive use of symbolism and allegory, again well blended with the narrative, makes it a breeze to read. Subjects are relatable and discrete if a little cartoony sometimes.

Well made but not my thing