Novel Study: Esperanza Rising: Discussion Guide #3

Use these discussion questions to engage students in thoughtful dialogue as they continue reading Pam Muñoz Ryan’s novel Esperanza Rising! Designed for fifth- and sixth-grade readers, this discussion guide covers chapters 9–12 of Esperanza Rising, from “Las Ciruelas (Plums)” to “Los Espárragos (Asparagus)”. These chapters describe Esperanza’s first day on her own at the camp, the beginning of Mama’s illness, the farmworkers’ strike, and the immigration raid at the camps. This two-page guide offers in-depth comprehension and analysis questions that will support students as they practice critical reading comprehension skills, such as making connections in fiction, identifying the author’s purpose, and comparing and contrasting characters’ actions. Click on “View answer key” to see sample answers for each of the discussion questions. For more resources related to Esperanza Rising, be sure to check out the full set of novel study worksheets!