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Summary Of Breaking Through By Francisco Jimenez

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In the book Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez recalls his life story and personal history being raised, growing up in a family of migrant workers, in California. Born in Tlaquepaque, Mexico, in 1943, Francisco’s childhood, majority of the time, is spent working farm fields around California and various employments. However, regardless of the struggle of keeping the family household composed after being caught by border patrol, demanding labor, and facing poverty he was able to stay hopeful. Furthermore, he went on having an outstanding collegiate career. He went to Harvard University, but a graduate of Santa Clara University and acquired both a Master’s Degree and Doctorate from Columbia University. Eventually, he became the director of …show more content…

In hope to leave the life of poverty behind, Francisco and his family crossed underneath the Mexicali barbed-wire border. For the next ten years, he’s been helping out the family with work and attending school while cautiously fearing deportation. For instance, “ I lived in constant fear for ten long years, from the time I was four until I was fourteen years old” (Jimenez 1). Unfortunately, one day at school border patrol calls Francisco out of his class and deports him and his family. However, Francisco and his older brother Roberto are able to stay, gaining their visas, but struggled with being home alone. Undoubtedly, Roberto showed family loyalty, “ I’ll send you money every month when I get paid” (Jimenez 15). In order to cope with the loneliness, Francisco and Roberto stepped out to school dances, listening to rock music and talking to girls. Eventually, the family is together again legally and back working the fields. Soon after, Francisco is graduating junior high following summer skirmishes, and starts high school; however, his father’s back pain causes him to get a job as a …show more content…

Because their house got broken into and their money got stolen, they couldn’t send money to their parents that month. After discovering being robbed, “ From that day on, Roberto hid the cash inside a chipped ceramic bust of Jesus Christ that we had found in the public dump” (Jimenez 28). In my opinion, this shows Roberto is an honest person with morals and faithful. Also, Roberto is my favorite character because he’s the big brother and a family man. For example, “ Any leftover money [...] later sent to our family in Mexico in care of our tia Chana” (Jimenez 28). Considerably, this shows Roberto is a trustworthy person and loyal to his family.
Many people of different ethnic backgrounds and nationalities come to the land of the free. Despite the novel's age, I think it remains relevant in the sense that America has endless possibilities. As of today’s media, Donald Trump's idea building a wall separating Mexico and the United States is volatile. Not only is it offensive to both sides of the border, but it’s not the best idea. This novel is relatable to the many people who come to the States from poverty, legally and illegally, seeking

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