Characters
Who is sometimes called "Anza" by her close friends or family?
Esperanza
What was the name of the ranch that Esperanza grew up on?
What is a "Quinceañeras"?
The presentation party of a 15 year old girl on her birthday
Abuelita teaches Esperanza the zigzag stitch. She said the zigzags represent mountains and valleys. What does she mean?
Life is full of mountain tops (successes) and valleys (hardships).
"Abuelita smiled, reached over, and pulled the yarn, unravelling all of Esperanza's rows. "Do not be afraid to start over," she said."
What was Abuelita really talking about here?
Abuelita meant that in life we must sometimes start over. Esperanza should not be afraid, but look ahead with a positive attitude.
Who is the mayor of the town Esperanza's family lived in (in Mexico)?
Tio Marco
Where did Abuelita grow up before moving to Mexico?
Spain
What does "Mi Reina" mean?
My Queen
What does the "heart beat of the earth" represent in the story?
Esperanza's connection to the place she calls home.
Why do Esperanza and her friends/family travel so far to go to Mr. Yakota's store?
He treats them with respect. There is a lot of prejudice against Mexicans and other immigrants.
Who gave mama 2 hens, though she, herself was poor?
Carmen
What was the name of the town in Mexico where Esperanza's family lived?
Aquascalientes
What are "Campesinos"?
Peasants, Poor farm workers
Abuelita said, "There is no rose without thorns." What did she mean?
Life is full of beauty but also pain/hardship.
When Esperanza tells Miguel they are on opposite sides of the river... she really means?
They are of different social classes.
What is Esperanza's last name?
Ortega
What is the name of the city in which Esperanza and her friends/family live?
Los Angeles
What are "Las Uvas"?
The Grapes
What does Esperanza's doll from papa represent?
The doll, the last gift Papa was to give her, is dressed in white lace and looks like an angel. It is much more valuable than most of the dolls Mexican girls have.
It represents Esperanza's former life, the life of a wealthy land owner.
Marta says she is striking for better housing and better wages. What does she really want for her people?
Equality.
She doesn't believe it is fair that Mexicans and other immigrants are paid less, simply because they are immigrants.
What is Esperanza's papa's first name?
Sixto
What is the name of the valley in California that Esperanza and her family/friends move to?
San Joaquin Valley
What are "Cebollas"?
Onions
What does the story of the phoenix represent in Esperanza Rising?
Esperanza's old life/self burned away with the ranch, but Esperanza was "reborn" to a new life/self when she came to the United States.
Esperanza learned what to truly value in life - Family, Friends, Faith