Reaching Out

College experience of Francisco Jimenez, who came to California illegally from Mexico as a small child, was deported, came back legally, and excelled at school. This book is the third in a series of memoirs.

I'm continually blown away by how much of his story is dependent on people in his life looking out for him and giving him opportunities. It's clear that the story he understands of his life is one of community rather than personal achievement, and equally clear that without the intervention of key people in his life, he would have been a very different person. I'm impressed, as before, by the quality of the storytelling and the life he lived, though I found many of the most powerful anecdotes of this book hearkened back to the show more elementary school experiences he documented in The Circuit. show less

An inspiring and revealing story simply told, about a Mexican immigrant's real-life struggle to balance his pursuit of education and the needs of his impoverished family. Fortunately, a supportive network of faculty members, friends and generous strangers enables Francisco to complete his degree and continue in a doctorate program.

This is an autobiography of Francisco Jimenez, a Mexican immigrant from a migrant worker family. He makes the tough choice to leave his family so that he can go off to college. I like the fact that this book highlights how anyone with determination can overcome obstacles to get an education. This is a great read for kids who have struggles that may feel similar to his.

Grade: 7th through 12th