Title: Esperanza Rising (http://www.pammunozryan.com/esperanza-rising/)

Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan

Illustrator: n/a

Publication date: 2000

ISBN number:  9780439120425

Genre: Historical Fiction

Approximate interest level: Grade 3-8

Approximate text level: Grade 5-8

Narrative annotation: Esperanza can be characterized as someone who was privileged and had a good life in Mexico. Circumstances forces Esperanza and her family to leave her home in Mexico to California where the Great Depression is happening. Her world is turned upside down when Esperanza realizes that she is not well off anymore and is afraid that she would not be able to adjust to her new life. This is a story that will take readers through her journey in trying to overcome her obstacles.

Selected Purpose: This text can be used to allow students to feel empathy and perspective for the experiences and struggles immigrants face. Many students might not know any knowledge of immigrants’ experiences and this can offer exposure.