For the child facing immense obstacles in pursuing their dreams, this memoir offers a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of education.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels overwhelmed by obstacles or like their dreams are out of reach due to their circumstances. A sequel to "The Circuit," this powerful memoir follows Francisco Jiménez's adolescent years as his family of migrant farmworkers finally settles in one place. The story details his struggle to excel in high school while working long hours in the fields, navigating poverty, prejudice, and the immense pressure to succeed. It's a deeply moving account of resilience, the weight of family responsibility, and the life-changing power of education. For ages 12 and up, this book is an inspiring choice for any child needing a role model for perseverance and a reminder that their circumstances do not define their future.
The book depicts the harsh realities of extreme poverty, family stress, and grueling child labor.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and realistically with systemic racism and discrimination, both casual and institutional. The family's poverty is a constant, oppressive force, depicted with stark, unsentimental detail. The resolution is hopeful, as Francisco achieves his academic goals, but it's a hard-won, realistic hope that acknowledges the deep scars and sacrifices made along the way. The approach is secular and grounded in lived experience.
Ideal Reader
A middle or high school student who is the first in their family to pursue higher education, or one who comes from an immigrant or low-income background. It's for the teen who feels the immense pressure of their family's dreams on their shoulders and needs to see a story reflecting their own quiet, determined fight.
Parent Prep
Parents should be ready to discuss poverty, prejudice, and the concept of generational sacrifice. The scene in chapter 10 where a teacher shames Francisco for his accent and tells him to stop speaking Spanish is particularly painful and a good point for discussion. The book can be read cold, but understanding the context of the Bracero Program and the lives of migrant workers in California will enrich the experience. A parent hears their teen say, "It's just not fair, I have to work so much harder than everyone else," or, "No one at school gets what my life is like." The child might be expressing deep anxiety about their future or feeling isolated by their family's financial or cultural situation.
Age Experience
A younger teen (12-14) will likely connect with the relatable school experiences: the desire to fit in, the embarrassment of being different, the inspiration from a good teacher, and the injustice of being treated unfairly. An older teen (15-18) will better appreciate the systemic nature of the family's poverty, the complex family dynamics, and the immense psychological weight Francisco carries as he navigates two different cultures.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many memoirs that focus on a single dramatic event, "Breaking Through" builds its power through the cumulative effect of small, authentic, slice-of-life vignettes. Its quiet dignity and understated prose make the hardships and triumphs feel incredibly real and personal. As a sequel, it provides a rare, in-depth look at the adolescent chapter of the immigrant story, focusing intensely on education as the vehicle for transformation.
Read plot summary
This memoir picks up where "The Circuit" left off. Francisco Jiménez and his family have settled in Santa Maria, California, and are no longer constantly moving for farm work. The book chronicles Francisco's life through junior high and high school as he navigates being a studious, ambitious boy in a family struggling with intense poverty. He works grueling hours picking crops before and after school, deals with prejudice from teachers and classmates, and supports his family, especially his older brother Roberto, who sacrifices his own education. The story is a series of powerful vignettes detailing his determination to get an education and attend college, seeing it as the only way to “break through” the cycle of poverty.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In Chapter 12, Francisco's father has a breakdown and burns the family's savings. Why do you think he did this? How did the family's constant financial stress affect each member differently?
2
Mr. Kincaid tells Francisco, 'It's not a sin to be poor.' Why was this such an important moment for Francisco? How did teachers and other adults either help or hinder his dream of going to college?
3
The title is "Breaking Through." What were some of the barriers (physical, emotional, or societal) that Francisco had to break through in the story? Do you think he broke through them completely by the end?
4
Describe the relationship between Francisco and his older brother, Roberto. How does it change over the course of the book, especially after Roberto quits school to work full time?
