The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez

The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez is a story based on the life of the author. Through The Circuit Jimenez shares his experiences as an immigrant child from Mexico. Jimenez writes about his experiences from the child-like perspective of when he was a boy. As a young boy, Francisco Jimenez or “Panchito,” goes through a number of trials as he and his family struggle to stay out of poverty. The Circuit tells the compelling story of Jimenez’s family and their struggle to survive in America as immigrants from Mexico.
The story begins when the Jimenez family, living in El Rancho Blanco, Mexico, decides to cross the boarder into the United States. Francisco's Papa hopes to find work in California so that he can provide for his family. One night, the family sneaks across the boarder and they become illegal citizens residing in the US.
In the families first few months in America they experienced extreme poverty, exhausting working conditions, and a constant worry of not making enough money to meet their needs. The Circuit describes all of the hardships the family faces. Francisco experiences his first year in school. He does not know any English and struggles to keep up with what is going on in the classroom.
Despite the hardships the family goes through, they continue to stay positive and work hard. Francisco always has his family to encourage him and get him through the hard times. Through out the first few years in America, Francisco learns that family is far more important than any material object. He learns the English language and is thankful for his opportunity to go to school. He learns how to work hard and also how to stick up for what is right.
Just as the Jimenez family seems to be settled (Francisco's older brother finds a permanent job) Francisco is called out of class by the immigration officers who have discovered that the Jimenez family are illegal immigrants. The Circuit leaves the readers wondering what will happen to the family.
Overall, The Circuit gives readers a new perspective into the life of an immigrant. It colorfully plays out many of the trials the family faces. The readers of The Circuit fall in love with the Jimenez family and find themselves hoping for the family's safety.