Esperanza Rising

Once I finished reading Esperanza Rising, I felt as though I had been enlightened about the Mexican culture through the reading. The text describes Esperanza's life in Mexico as something of a fairytale. Just as I was beginning to enjoy reading about the young girl's carefree life, all that she had is taken away from her. I began to sympathize with her condition, and I felt for her and Ramona as they crossed the border and searched for work for the first time. The work that Ramona and Esperanza did was demeaning to them because they had lived such a privileged life in Aguascalientes. I can't imagine being as strong as thirteen-year-old Esperanza was in the situations that she faced. In hardships she endured and did not resist to learn. She was even very eager to learn English.

The idea that a story like Esperanza's is true for many Mexican Americans today is eye-opening. I think that especially for a young audience, it is shocking to know that all the things you love can be so easily taken from you. It is important for the readers to see that people from other cultures lead fragile lives, and also to see that living as an American is a dream in itself. Esperanza Rising is a book that belongs in an English classroom for more than it's cross-cultural qualities. It is a heart-warming tale with historical context that allows the reader to put himself into the shoes of someone struggling to survive. As is stated in Dong's article, it is necessary that English teachers expose students to "varied ways of living and knowing." The way that Esperanza lived her thirteenth year on the run is something that I, for one, have never experienced before. Although I hope to never be uprooted from my home like Esperanza was, I am glad for the knowledge that I have gained about a young girl in such a situation. Reading Esperanza Rising gave me a true insider's view on coming to America and changing your way of life.