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Overview
From the perspective of the young adult he was then, Francisco Jiménezdescribes the challenges he faced in his efforts to continue his education.
During his college years, the very family solidarity that allowed Francisco to survive as a child is tested. Not only must he leave his family behind when he goes to Santa Clara University, but while Francisco is there, his father abandons the family and returns to Mexico. This is the story of how Francisco coped with poverty, with his guilt over leaving his family financially strapped, with his self-doubt about succeeding academically, and with separation. Once again his telling is honest, true, and inspiring.
2009 American Library Association Pura Belpré Honor Book Award
•2009 Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book
•2009 ALSC Notable Book
•2009 Américas Book Award Commended List
•2009 The Carter C. Woodson Book Award (National Council for Social Studies)
•2009 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
Synopsis
From the perspective of the young adult he was then, Francisco Jiménez describes the challenges he faced in his efforts to continue his education.
During his college years, the very family solidarity that allowed Francisco to survive as a child is tested. Not only must he leave his family behind when he goes to Santa Clara University, but while Francisco is there, his father abandons the family and returns to Mexico. This is the story of how Francisco coped with poverty, with his guilt over leaving his family financially strapped, with his self-doubt about succeeding academically, and with separation. Once again his telling is honest, true, and inspiring.
Sacramento Bee
No one who reads these life stories will forget them. Jiménez reaches out to let us walk in his shoes, feel his pain and pride, joy and sorrow, regrets and hope. All three books should be required reading for Californians. Students of Mexican heritage will see themselves. The rest of us will better understand what it takes to make this journey. And we'll all be hanging on for the next book.
Editorials
Sacramento Bee
No one who reads these life stories will forget them. Jiménez reaches out to let us walk in his shoes, feel his pain and pride, joy and sorrow, regrets and hope. All three books should be required reading for Californians. Students of Mexican heritage will see themselves. The rest of us will better understand what it takes to make this journey. And we'll all be hanging on for the next book.Best Books of the Year 2008 Smithsonian Magazine
In this eloquent, transfixing account, Jimenez again achieves a masterful addition to the literature of the memoir.VOYA
Whereas The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child (University of Mexico Press, 1997) and Breaking Through (Houghton Mifflin, 2001/VOYA December 2001) focused on the author's childhood and adolescence, this book continues Frankie's story by offering a snapshot of his college years. Determined to become a teacher, Frankie works hard at Santa Clara University during the school year. He goes home to Bonetti Ranch during summer vacation where he spends long hours doing janitorial work so he can help his family survive financially. Despite Frankie's dedication to his family, he feels guilty about attending school while his family struggles. After his father gets depressed and leaves California to return to Tlaquepaque, Mexico, Frankie's guilt forces him to consider dropping out of college during his sophomore year. Some parts of this story could have been further developed. For example, Frankie and others experience prejudice in Santa Clara and surrounding areas, but information about it is scarce. Frankie's relationship with his father also leaves readers with more questions than answers. The author does a thorough job, however, of describing the difficulties, such as feeling unprepared and disadvantaged when compared to others, that some first-generation college students face. As in JimTnez's other books, there are several kind-hearted and giving mentors and benefactors-some of whom appear in photos in the back of the book-who go out of their way to help Frankie and his family. These gestures of kindness offer readers hope. This book is recommended for the library that already has the first two books on its shelf. Reviewer: KaaVonia Hinton-JohnsonChildren's Literature
It is always uplifting to read a story about an individual who manages to succeed in spite of an underprivileged background. Francisco Jiminez is such a person. He and his family came to California from Mexico hoping to start a new and better life. As in many such situations, Jiminez benefitted both from family support and the guidance of teachers, priests, other students, and neighbors who had faith in his ability and helped him break down the barriers so that he could achieve the education he needed. At one point, when he was almost finished college, Jiminez considering dropping out because his family desperately needed money, survival money. After agonizing over the problem, he decided to complete his education so that he would be in a better position to help his family. How difficult that must to have been for him! I would recommend this book to young children so that they will recognize that they too can fulfill their dream of an education and a successful career. The author also points out that everyone has a story worth sharing. Reviewer: Leila ToledoSchool Library Journal
Gr 8 Up
Jiménez, the son of Mexican immigrants, left behind a life of hard work and poverty when he entered Santa Clara University in 1962. Here, he chronicles his college years and introduces people who befriended him as well as those who had prejudices against Mexicans. Throughout his story, the difficulties of his transition from family life to college life are evident. His palpable fear of failure was mitigated by those who helped him recognize his worth and develop and strengthen his character. The book ends as he is bound for graduate school at Columbia University. This sequel to Breaking Through (2001) and The Circuit (1999, both Houghton) again brings to the forefront the daily trials of poor immigrant families. The author poignantly relates his family's struggles and how their teamwork enabled him to attend college. While the book relates his trials and successes, it also tells how his family members overcame their own obstacles. Using the style of a good storyteller, Jiménez gives voice to strong familial bonds with an intensity that is both compelling and honest. The family photographs at the end of the book add a nice touch.-Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK