GENRE: Memoir - Latino
HONORS:Booklist Editors’ Choice
An American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults
American Library Association’s Pura Bupré Authors Honor Book Award (among many others!)
REVIEW:Breaking Through is the sequel to The Circuit , Jimenez's memoir about migrating as a child to the U.S. from Mexico. This story continues his experiences as a student who lived during a time of racial ignorance. Jimenez poetically writes about his experiences going to school in the day time, then working at night in the fields and later as a janitor to help support his family. He struggled to learn English and was often inclined to down play his heritage because of his yearning to have a 'normal' adolescence. However, his self-conscious father and deep loyalty to provide for his family did not faze his destiny to succeed.
OPINION: This memoir is a gripping tale and harsh reality of the struggles in the lives of migrants. Francisco Jimenez was able to rise above all the cultural barriers set before him, especially at a time of racial segregation and intolerance. This is a courageous tale that is rich in history, as well as Mexican culture.
IDEAS: Notable to incorporate in curriculum about immigration, California history, or documenting one's own family history.
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