Chapter 2: Las Papayas

Evelyn:
This was a really sad and scary chapter. Esperanza's dad died and she is afraid her mom will marry her really mean uncle. I hope they will save the farm from her mean uncles.

Madelaine:
I think Esperanza is feeling sad and mad. She was crying. She was mad because her uncle was wearing her father's belt buckle. Miguel seems nice. I think he likes Esperanza. I think she him, too. Esperanza's uncle Luis just wants money.

Melissa:
I think Tio Luis is a creep. His brother just died a few days ago!!!! How could he propose to his sister-in-law? I don't think he loves Esperanza's mother. He wants the house, a pretty wife and to be governor. What a jerk!

Chapter 1: Las Uvas

In this chapter we met Esperanza and her family. It will be her birthday tomorrow. She is excited. Something very bad happened which made her sad: her dad has died. We don't know why yet.

Evelyn and Madelaine say they like Esperanza. They think they might want to be friends. Esperanza hopes to get a doll for her birthday. Evelyn and Madelaine love their American Girl dolls.

Evelyn:
In fact, my American Girl doll is Josephina. She was born in Mexico and lived on a ranch just like Esperanza. Evelyn and Esperanza both have wavy hair.

Madelaine:
I think it would be really sad for your dad to die the day before your birthday. Madelaine and Esperanza both have dark hair.

Melissa:
Melissa and Esperanza both have no brothers or sisters. I remember growing up that sometimes people thought I was spoiled because I had no brothers or sisters to share with. I never thought that was true. It hurt my feelings sometimes when people would say things. I think it would be really sad to have your dad die when you are almost 13 years old.