Book Report On Breaking Through By Francisco Jimenez

The books “Breaking Through” by Francisco Jimenez is about Francisco's middle school and high school years. During those years his family struggled to make money. Francisco, his dad, mother, four brothers and sister worked hard to make money as migrant farmers but still struggled, so some of them had more than one job Francisco and his brother Roberto got jobs at Santa Maria cleaners. Francisco worked hard in school but struggled in English and typing but these struggles made him to work harder. Francisco also joined extracurricular activities like being president of Spanish Club, a member of Squires Club, and Junior Scandals. He was also Class President. He worked closely with guidance counselors to set up classes for the future. Francisco

He lives on Bonetti Ranch in Santa Maria with his family. Francisco's goal is to go to college and become a teacher. Francisco worked to achieve his goal by working hard in school and applying for scholarships. The antagonist of this book is Papa Francisco's father. Papa thinks that only rich people become teachers and doesn’t understand the importance of education. Papa also doesn’t want Francisco grow up and move away it pains him to watch him go. Papa’s goal is to be able to provide for his family on his own. This book takes place in Santa Maria in late 1950s-early 1960s. Santa Maria had many migrant workers who came to pick for crops to make money. The place the Jimenez family lived at is called Bonetti Ranch it was a place for migrant farm workers to live. They lived in a small house with a kitchen and two bedrooms. Francisco and Roberto shared a small twin mattress, until Roberto moved away to start his own family, and his brothers Torito and Trampita shared a twin bed too. The theme of this story is try your hardest and do not feel upset about who you are or the situation you're in. The major message the writer is trying to get across is don't give up even when things get rough. The book is basically saying be grateful for what you have because someone else can have it worse than