Good+and+Bad+Responses


 * Initial Post:**
 * //Esperanza Rising// by Pam Munoz Ryan.**


 * Esperanza has always lived a very privileged life. She has the best clothes, her own room, and servants to take care of her. Now, with the death of her father and her home burned to the ground, all has changed. Esperanza must learn to do without and to work. What advice would you give her as she begins to live this new and very different lifestyle?**

I feel for Esperanza. Her life has totally changed from all she knew to be true. I think I would tell her to reach deep down inside and pull from all the strength, courage, and determination she has in her. This post reminds me of our discussions about heroes. No one knows what the day will bring, but our response to the challenges and turns is what matters most. It's like what TA Barron says on p4 of The Hero's trail, "Just how are our inner qualities revealed? Through our choices. For every choice matters, whether its big or small conscious or unconscious, repeated or rare. And every choice is an expression of who we are." Esperanza can't control what has happenend to her, but she can control her reaction to it. She has a real opportunity for growth here!
 * Great:**

I'm not finished reading this book yet so please don't give away the story :) I didn't know if I was going to like this book, but so far, it is really good, Poor Esperanza! She was so happy at the beginning, and now (as far as I've gotten), she's so sad and so angry! I would be, too! All this bad stuff happened to her. I would probably tell Esperanza to focus on making things better for herself. And to look at each day one day at a time instead of thinking of how far she still has to go to be happy again.
 * Not so good:**

Frindle is a really good book!! I think a lot of people should read it!! I liked it alot!!!!!
 * Bad:**