Circuit by Francisco Jimenez (1997, Paperback)

This book was fantastic and a must read. Even though set in a different era, much of what Pancho went through in the book still happens today. I have a whole new respect for those students in schools trying to learn English as a second language, which Pancho struggled with at school. I found myself feeling all sorts of emotions throughout the book and appreciated the candor and humor of Jimenez. It is interesting to see how life as a migrant worker in his youth shaped who he is today. The best thing I walked away with is how Jimenez never paints himself nor his family as victims of circumstance, but as a family trying to do their best to live a better life. This will be a yearly 'read aloud' for my high school Spanish students as a way to open their eyes to those who come across our borders in hopes living the American dream, but find themselves just trying to survive off of their meager earnings.