breaking through
...ream. Another theme I found in the novel was the value of education. Even when Roberto and Francisco separated from their parents to go work and attend school, they still sent money to their parents as often as they could afford it. They valued their education because no matter how often they moved that was something no one could take from them. I believe stressing the importance of education is always a good topic to talk about with adolescent students. Also, in the novel, the entire Jimenez had a very strong work ethic they all worked all year no matter the age and for very little each day. The family was brought up respecting others. This was one moral their dad made very clear to them. The boys encountered racism in their schools with kids calling them names and making fun of their heritage. This was something that they respected and were proud was their heritage. They were able to overcome these adversities and make friends and become leaders within the school. The entire family worked hard to fulfill their dreams and they did. And lastly, the theme that I liked the most was a boy who overcame numerous adversities and tribulations and ended up writing a book on his life. The only idea that was portrayed in the book that I did not like is the fact that the Jimenez family escaped from their home country to come live in the United States illegally; because I do not condone illegal immigration, I did not support this part of the novel. That being said, however, I believe the story needs this part to retain its realistic narration. If I were teaching this novel to a class of middle school or high school students, I would try to make a connection between the book and the student. Even before reading the novel, I would have my students answer a series of questions like, recall time when you overcame a fear or mastered a task that was difficult for you; after they finish, I would let them discuss how they felt when they succeeded. I would also have the students recall a time when they traveled to a new place; were they excited? I would encourage them to talk about the emotions associated with the experience of a different place. While reading the novel, I would strive to keep that connection by having students keep a journal about the types of conflicts that Francisco encounters an...