Esperanza Rising

Mom's Notes: This book is beautiful. Julia read it last year and suggested I read it myself. I'm so grateful I did. And I'm so grateful we pulled it out to read as we learned about The Great Depression. (We happened to read the chapter about the big dust storm the very day we had a history lesson on The Dust Bowl.) Esperanza's story is full of heartbreak, grief, anger, confusion, forgiveness, charity, sacrifice, love, and growth. So, yes, I cried throughout. Julia had to finish the very last sentence of the book for me. My personal opinion is that this story, written so gently for children but not leaving out what needs to be there, is nearly perfect.

What is your favorite episode in the story? 

Julia (12): "Patty-pans." 

Gabe (10): "When Dan burns down the house... because Tommy says, 'Thunder Turtles!'"

Evy (7): "I like when the girls set up the ball for the boys." 

We'll read the last book in the series soon. Which child's future are you most interested to know about? 

Julia (12): "Stuffy, because he's funny. And Nan, because I want to see if she'll love Tommy." 

Gabe (10): "Stuffy... because he's... Stuffy." 

Evy (7): "I want to know what Stuffy becomes!" 

Mom's Notes: I read this for the first time myself last summer. I find it hard to believe it took me decades to pick up the sequel to a book I named a favorite when I was ten years old! Somehow I missed it all those years, but it'll forever have a spot on our bookshelves and in my heart now. I believe the kids feel the same. There is just so much to in here to learn, love, and laugh about. I scribbled down a page of quotes (mainly highlighting the wisdom and patience the Bhaers show while raising the children) and I could've filled several. To celebrate the story upon completion, we played a fun round of Imaginiff with the book characters as the subjects, then watched a movie version. Gabe, especially, is looking forward to reading "Jo's Boys." We love LMA!