Esperanza Rising Audiobook By Pam Munoz Ryan cover art

Esperanza Rising

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Esperanza Rising

By: Pam Munoz Ryan
Narrated by: Trini Alvarado
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Esperanza Ortega possesses all the treasures a young girl could want: fancy dresses; a beautiful home filled with servants in the bountiful region of Aguascalientes, Mexico; and the promise of one day rising to Mama's position and presiding over all of El Rancho de las Rosas.

But a sudden tragedy shatters that dream, forcing Esperanza and Mama to flee to California and settle in a Mexican farm labor camp. There they confront the challenges of hard work, acceptance by their own people, and economic difficulties brought on by the Great Depression. When Mama falls ill from Valley Fever and a strike for better working conditions threatens to uproot their new life, Esperanza must relinquish her hold on the past and learn to embrace a future ripe with the riches of family and community.

Pam Munoz Ryan eloquently portrays the Mexican workers' plight in this abundant and passionate novel that gives voice to those who have historically been denied one.

©2000 Pam Munoz Ryan (P)2001 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint of Random House Audio Publishing Group Difficult Discussions Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Historical Fiction Latin American Literature & Fiction Multicultural Stories Social & Life Skills Latin America Mexico Heartfelt Feel-Good

Critic reviews

"Rich in history and culture, this novel is all the more successful in the audio format." (AudioFile Magazine)

"Ryan writes movingly in clear, poetic language that children will sink into."(Booklist)

Featured Article: The top 100 kids books of all time


Listening to a story is the first way that we’re introduced to books as kids. And while our parents and grandparents (and babysitters and siblings!) are no doubt wonderful narrators who left indelible marks on our bookish hearts, the performances featured on this list elevate these stories to new heights. Representing listens for kids ages 0-12, and featuring animals, magical creatures, awkward middle schoolers, and more, our kids essentials will help you rediscover the magic of childhood.

Featured Article The top 100 kids books of all time
Inspiring Story • Beautiful Narrative • Authentic Spanish Pronunciation • Historical Richness • Emotional Depth
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I loved this book and hated for it to end! You can't help but fall in love with the characters, especially Esperanza.

Outstanding!

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Where does Esperanza Rising rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Esperanza Rising?

Haven't finished reading it yet.

Have you listened to any of Trini Alvarado’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, i'm reading it with students.

Any additional comments?

This is a great book

I love this book!

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This book should be required reading in school. The story is so relevant and beautiful! I was tearing up throughout the whole thing. Then to discover it was based on a true story...just wow.

Should be required reading!

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i liked the book i recommend it you should read this book you will love it.

its a great book

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I loved this book. I only read it because it was assigned for my Children Lit class, but I'd read it again just for fun. Amazing story and the way it was read made the story easy to keep up with and nice to lay in bed and listen to. it's nice to hear the correct pronunciation of these Spanish words.

Amazing

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Great

It was just amazing I love the book and I would recommend it. I enjoyed the hole book and hope you read it to.

Amazing

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Loved the book it was very well narrated i loved the ending it made me so happy

100% would recommend

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I originally bought this to use as part of a language arts lesson for 5th graders. They really got a lot out of hearing it, especially from a narrator so authentic. They read a chapter the night before class and I used this to solidify the story.

A Beautiful Story

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This was a great read! This is a good book for middle school students its very diverse and it can relate to present day issues as well!!

Loved it!

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I am so glad I read this book. The perspective, characters, and description of scenery really tied the story together. I didn’t understand some of the story, but then again I am 12 so otherwise I really enjoyed it.

9/10
would read again

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