Level 2 - Esperanza

Esperanza by Carol Gaab. In this Comprehension-based (CI) reader, ‘Esperanza’, make this an ideal read for advanced beginning Spanish students. Each page is loaded with cognates (words that are similar in English and Spanish), recycled vocabulary, and illustrations, which makes this read highly comprehensible. This is the past tense version of Esperanza - to read the book in the present tense - turn it upside down and read from the back cover.

This book is a narrative nonfiction written in first person. The novel is based on the chilling true story of a young family caught in the middle of political corruption and unspeakable violence during Guatemala’s 36-year civil war. Tired of watching city workers endure countless human and civil rights violations, Alberto organizes a union. When he and his co-workers organize a strike, Alberto and his family find themselves on the government’s “extermination” list. The violent situation leaves Alberto separated from his family and forces them all to flee for their lives. Will their will to survive be enough to help them escape and reunite? And if so, will they ever find another place they can call home?

• Unique word count: 200 and Total word count: 7000

Paperback. 90 pages with a glossary at the back.