Novel Study: Esperanza Rising: Pre-Reading Activity

Before reading Pam Muñoz Ryan’s novel Esperanza Rising, help students build background knowledge about the setting of the story with this two-page discussion guide. This information-rich worksheet provides background information, context, and photos about four topics that play an important role in the story's setting: the Mexican Revolution and effect of Spanish colonial rule, the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, farmworkers and America's food production, and immigration in the United States and Mexico. After reading the background information, invite students to reflect on the provided discussion prompts to deepen their understanding and prepare them for reading the novel. If you want to engage students even more in this period of American history, take a look at our Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry novel study!