Mobile Lab, Wednesday, March 6th: "Esperanza Rising" Historical Context

Esperanza Rising: A closer look at the Historical Context

In order to understand the setting of a novel, you must know where the novel takes place and when it takes place. Understanding where is as simple as referring to a map to pinpoint the main geographic location(s) of the story. Understanding when a story takes place is sometimes a more complex task. Esperanza Rising is set during the Great Depression in the United States. Esperanza's story also stems from a series of historical events in Mexico. Her story bridges two cultures and two countries. 

This activity will help to build on your background of the historical context for the novel. Your task to select one of the topics below, visit the links under that topic, and then choose one site to become an expert on. You will write a summary of the information given at that site. 

History of Mexico

• Celebrate the Mexican Revolution

The Great Depression

• The Great Depression Simplified
• How the Depression Affected Children - Read each of the three sections
• A Biography of Eleanor Roosevelt
• FDR and the Great Depression
• I Remember - Pick one of the "I Remember" Stories

Migrant Labor

• Valley Fever
• Sons of Zapata
• The Oregon Farm Labor Story
• Agricultural Workers
• Immigration Policies
• Green Cards
• Migrant Workers' Issues
• Migrant Children and Technology - A look at challenges facing children of farm workers today