STJ Readers! discussion

Hello readers!!

I hope we are all enjoying our 3rd novel of "Esperanza Rising." I have found the story line extremely inspiring! Additionally, it has allowed me to reflect on the blessings that God has given me and to not take anything in my life for-granted.

If you are like me at this point, you can't put the book down and are on route of finishing it shortly. However, I want to start our discussion board for this novel by dissecting the author's writing style. As we know, the beginning of our story takes place in Mexico. Therefore, the characters' main language is Spanish. The author often includes words in Spanish, followed by the English translation.
What do you think the author's purpose is for using this technique?
Do you enjoy reading in this form?
How has this helped you as a reader/learner?
Has anyone read other novels where the author uses this writing style?

I am looking forward to your responses and your thoughts on this book!

Thanks!!

Ms. Preus

Also, let’s make a goal to reach the chapters titled “Las Ciruelas (Plums)” or “Las Papas (Potatoes)” by Friday. Those will be the half way point and we will also have one more week left of reading this book!

I think the author’s purpose for writing a word in Spanish then translating to English is to teach us some Spanish words. I enjoy this form - and like that it is only a couple words and not a lot because that would be hard to understand. It has helped give me an introduction to Spanish to decide if I want to learn more in the future.

I completely agree with you, Reese! I think it helps readers gain a greater appreciation for the language, as well as learn common phrases in that language. I’m sure this was the author’s goal! I really enjoy this form of writing, and I will definitely be looking for future books with this style.

This book is really good. It is way better then I thought it would be. I think it is cool with some Spanish.

Glad you all are enjoying it! As we finish this book, I want you to think about the journey that Esperanza went through. Imagine you were taken out of your life right now and put in a work camp like Esperanza. How would you react? What would be hard for you and what would be easy?

That would be really hard for me, but I am probably more used to work with chores. I would probably be, sad, mad, scared, all sorts of emotions. It would be hard with the tiny spaces you have to live in and share the same room, I would not like to see my hands in the shape Esperanzas were, I would be scared if I got back to Mexico, especially if I did not live there. Cooking would probably be one of the easiest parts if you had food, and if I did not have job sweeping floors. I finished this book. It was one of my favorite books I have ever read.

Is All Four Stars the next book.

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This book has been one of my favorites since I was 10! I’m so glad you’re all enjoying it so much. 👍🏻 I love when other languages are provided with the translations in English. It offers us the opportunity to understand and learn languages other than our own and apply that understanding when I hear stories or situations of events happening in the news today!

As a parent, I complete many “chores”, however, I think I would feel very differently if I were forced to do work! I enjoy doing work when I am benefiting others and out of my own choice. When forced, I am reluctant and crabby about it. Esperanza shows so much patience and love throughout her story.

All Four Stars is our next book! We will start on Tuesday and finish in 2 weeks!!