Summary Of The Circuit And Breaking Through By Francisco Jimenez

The Circuit and Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez are autobiographical novels that tell his life story from his younger years and through his child perspective. Starting off in Mexico, and his journey to the United States, leaving everything behind and taking the bare minimum with them. Francisco describes his family living in poverty throughout his life. His parents and older brother started working in the fields picking fruit and cotton, while he stayed behind to take care of his baby brother for hours until his parents came back. Francisco began attending school in first grade a couple months late, he was unable to speak english and had major difficulty understanding his teachers and peers. As Francisco grows, he deals with going to

Due to his father’s back injury the family got split up. Francisco and his older brother went back to California to work and return to school. They sent money home to support their parents, while they went back to their hometown until his dad recovered. In highschool Francisco learned about college, he wanted to become a teacher but didn’t think he could attend due to his poverty. His guidance counselors supported him and explained the possibilities of scholarships. With that in mind, he worked extremely hard in school, become involved with events and was his class’ president. All of this was on top of him having to keep working as well, especially since his older brother had married and was no longer to help the family out with money. Because of Francisco’s hard work in school, and extracurricular activities he was able acquire scholarships and he transferred to Santa Clara

His father who is authoritarian, is extremely strict. He expects his children to do as he says, and not question or talk back to him at all. Although his father still has high expectations towards his children, he is not very supportive with Francisco’s dream to be a teacher or attend college. Claiming it is only something rich people are able to do, and initially not wanting Francisco to discuss his options for University. Francisco says “It’s my only chance!”, and in response his dad says “Your chance?” Papa fired back. His eyes pierced right through me. His lower lip bled as he bit into it. “It’s your chance to shut up!” (Jimenez, 1999) On the other hand, his mother is is authoritative, she is very kind and caring towards all her kids, yet expects them to be well behaved and have proper manners. She would comfort and support Francisco as much as she could with his interest in school, and would help him out when things became a bit overwhelming for him. “He doesn’t want to lose you too” tears rolled down her face. “Your papa wants the family to be together. He doesn’t want his children to leave” (Jimenez,