Esperanza Rising Chapter 13: Las Uvas (Final Chapter)

Miguel's Deception

• Esperanza discovers Miguel took her money orders.
• Alfonso assures the money will be repaid.
• Mama believes Miguel needed the money to go to northern California.
• Esperanza is angry at Miguel for taking her money.

The Fruit Sorting

• Esperanza works in the sheds sorting peaches, plums, and nectarines.
• White clingstone peaches are sorted first, followed by yellow Elbertas and Flaming Gold nectarines.
• Elephant-heart plums are Esperanza's favorite.

The Unexpected Message

• Alfonso informs Esperanza about a message from Miguel.
• They are to meet Miguel at the Bakersfield bus station.
• Esperanza is hopeful for an apology from Miguel.

Reunion at the Bus Station

• Miguel returns from Los Angeles, looking tired.
• He claims to have brought something better than what he took.
• Miguel helps an older woman off the bus, revealed to be Abuelita.
• Esperanza is overwhelmed with emotion, embraces Abuelita.

Abuelita's Arrival

• Abuelita explains her escape from Tío Luis with Miguel's help.
• Miguel orchestrated her escape and brought her to the U.S.
• Abuelita lights candles and prays when she senses something wrong with Mama.
• Miguel delivers notes secretly to Abuelita about the plan.

Esperanza's Yearly Reflection

• Esperanza measures the year by crops rather than seasons.
• Uses crop cycles to recount the events of the past year.

Esperanza's Birthday and Future

• Esperanza and Miguel watch the sunrise together.
• Esperanza feels a connection to the earth and new possibilities.
• Birthday celebration with family and friends, including Abuelita.
• Esperanza receives a flan de almendras as a birthday treat.
• Abuelita teaches Isabel to crochet, emphasizes starting over without fear.

Discussion Points

• Debate on whether it was justified for Miguel to take the money for bringing Abuelita.
• Function of detailing Esperanza's yearly cycle by crops.
• Reflection on Esperanza's growth since leaving her Mexican ranch.