Esperanza Rising

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 19 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In the opening chapter, what do you learn about Esperanza’s life on the ranch and her relationship with Papa?
2. How does Esperanza’s relationship with Papa help you understand what is most important to her at the beginning of the story?
3. After Papa dies, what choices do Mama and Esperanza have, and why are those choices so difficult?
4. What do Tío Luis and Tío Marco show about power and greed? Use events from this part of the story in your answer.
5. Why does Mama decide to leave Mexico secretly, and how does Esperanza react to the plan?
6. On the train, how does Esperanza’s behavior toward other passengers show what she still needs to learn?
7. What are Esperanza’s first impressions of California and the camp? How are they different from what she expected?
8. How does Isabel help Esperanza begin to adjust to her new life? What does Esperanza learn from her?
9. Choose one word that describes Esperanza when she first tries camp chores, such as sweeping or caring for babies. Why does that word fit?
10. What does Marta believe about the workers’ situation, and why do some people agree or disagree with her?
11. How does the dust storm change life for Mama and Esperanza? What details show that this event is serious?
12. The crocheted blanket connects Esperanza to Abuelita. What might the blanket symbolize, or stand for, in the story?
13. How does Esperanza change when she begins working to earn money? What responsibilities does she take on?
14. What do the strike and the fear of losing jobs teach Esperanza about courage and risk?
15. What happens during the immigration raid, and how does it affect the workers in the camp?
16. When Esperanza feels angry about unfairness, how does she handle her feelings? What advice would you give her?
17. Why is Miguel frustrated about his future in the United States? How does this connect to the theme of hope?
18. What prediction did you make when Miguel left, and how did the story’s events confirm or change your thinking?
19. By the end of the book, what does it mean for Esperanza to “rise”? How has she grown as a person?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

On the train, how does Esperanza’s behavior toward other passengers show what she still needs to learn?

I think Esperanza acts like she is still used to being rich and important. She does not always understand how hard life is for people who have less money. Her behavior shows that she needs to learn kindness and respect for everyone, not just people from her own class. This is one of the first steps in her changing as a character.

The crocheted blanket connects Esperanza to Abuelita. What might the blanket symbolize, or stand for, in the story?

I think the blanket stands for family, memory, and hope. When Esperanza works on it, she can feel close to Abuelita even though they are far apart. The blanket also shows that life has ups and downs, like the stitches. To me, it reminds Esperanza to keep going even when things are hard.

By the end of the book, what does it mean for Esperanza to “rise”? How has she grown as a person?

To me, Esperanza “rises” because she becomes stronger after many hard experiences. At first, she expects others to take care of her, but later she works, helps Mama, and cares about other people. She learns that her worth is not about money or fancy things. I think she grows into a braver and kinder person.