Novel Study: Esperanza Rising: Discussion Guide #2

After reading the next few chapters of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s novel Esperanza Rising, engage your students in a discussion with these thought-provoking discussion questions! This two-page discussion guide covers chapters 5–8 of Esperanza Rising, from “Las Guayabas (Guavas)” to “Las Almendras (Almonds)," guiding students through Esperanza’s journey from Mexico to the farm camp in California and into the first days adjusting to her new life in the camp. Through a series of carefully crafted comprehension, text analysis, and personal connection questions, readers will have an opportunity to practice identifying cause and effect, analyzing the author’s purpose, and making connections in fiction. Click “View answer key” to see sample student responses and context. For more resources related to Esperanza Rising, check out the full set of novel study worksheets!