What Story Do You Have to Tell?
Even though Pam Muñoz Ryan was born and raised in the
SanJoaquin Valley, the same place her character Esperanza
migrates to, it isn’t where her story begins. Pam’s life, like
Esperanza’s, was shaped by those who came before her. As
members of a family—big or small—our stories start
withthe history of our parents and grandparents and great-
grandparents.
Esperanza traveled from Mexico to Southern California
and Abuelita from Spain to Mexico. If you look at a map you
can track their journeys and see for yourself the distances they
traveled. Did your family’s story start in another country,
state, or town? Talk to your parents or grandparents, learn
where they (and you) come from, and track your own family’s
journey.
And while you’ve got your family talking, reminiscing,
and remembering, ask them to tell you about their experi-
ences (maybe even take notes!). Then just as Pam Muñoz Ryan
did, build on that information—investigate your family, find
old family photographs, hop on the web to dig up tidbits
aboutthe cities or towns where family members have lived.
And when you have various pieces to play with, begin to tell
your story.
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