The third book in Francisco Jiménez's powerful and acclaimed memoirs about his childhood and adolescence as the son of Mexican immigrants in California.

“In this eloquent, transfixing account, Jiménez again achieves a masterful addition to the literature of the memoir.” —Smithsonian Magazine

Leaving his home in Bonetti Ranch, a migrant community of dilapidated army barracks with no indoor plumbing or drinkable water, Francisco Jiménez sets off for college. He leaves behind a family struggling to pay for food and rent, and a desperate, broken father.

Carrying memories of years of poverty and prejudice with him, he enters a world entirely different from his own. Yet as he types other students’ papers in exchange for clothing, as he studies hard, as he meets with unexpected kindness, he uses those memories of struggle to see his way forward. Once again his telling is honest, true, and inspiring.

“Rooted in the past, Jiménez’s story is also about the continuing struggle to make it in America, not only for immigrant kids but also for those in poor families. Never melodramatic or self-important, the spare episodes will draw readers with the quiet daily detail of work, anger, sorrow, and hope.” —Booklist (starred review)

“No one who reads these life stories will forget them. Jiménez reaches out to let us walk in his shoes, feel his pain and pride, joy and sorrow, regrets and hope.” —Sacramento Bee

“Brings to the forefront the daily trials of poor immigrant families. Compelling and honest.” —School Library Journal

has published and edited several books on Mexican and Mexican American literature.

Francisco Jiménez's four-book autobiography has been included in the American Library Association Booklist's 50 Best Young Adult Books of All Time and has been recognized with awards including the Américas Book Award, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Pura Belpré Honor Book Award, and the Tomás Rivera Book Award.

• The Circuit
• Breaking Through
• Reaching Out
• Taking Hold