Breaking Through

Written by: Francisco Jiménez

"Are you Francisco Jiménez?" he asked firmly. His deep voice echoed in my ears.

"Yes," I responded, wiping my tears and looking down at his large black, shiny boots . . . . I followed the immigration officer out of the classroom and into his car marked BORDER PATROL.

At the age of fourteen, Francisco Jiménez, together with his older brother, Roberto, and his mother, is caught by la migra. Forced to leave their home in California, the entire family travels for twenty hours by bus, arriving at the U.S. – Mexican border in Nogales, Arizona.

In the months and years that follow, Francisco, his mother and father, and his sister and four brothers not only struggle to kkep their family together, but also face crushing poverty, long hours of labor, and blatant prejudice. How they sustain their hope, goodheartedness, and tenacity is revealed in this moving sequel to The Circuit. Without bitterness or sentimentality, Francisco Jiménez finsihes telling the story of his youth. Once again, his simple yet powerful words will open readers' hearts and minds.

Pictured on the cover is the author, age thirteen, at Bonetti Ranch in Santa Monica, California. Jacket photo courtesy of Francisco Jiménez.