The Circuit: Stories From the Life of a Migrant Child
Author: Francisco Jiménez
Genre: Autobiography
Age Level: 10+ years
SUMMARY
This collection of autobiographical short stories tells of a Mexican family's continual migration between labor camps as they search for enough work to support their growing numbers. It is told from the perspective of Panchito, a young boy, who struggles with the competing desires of wanting to help his family and wanting to attend school.
CRITIQUE
I have experience teaching the children of migrant workers and found this book to be both captivating and heart-wrenching. Sr. Jiménez was able to highlight the extreme challenges faced by these families without sermonizing. It was tender to witness this family hold onto hope and cherish one another in the midst of despairing circumstances. I would highly recommend this book.
RATINGS
Disrespectful/Bad Attitude: Mild
Frightening/Suspenseful: Mild
Profanity: Mild
Sex: None
Substance Use: Mild
Mature Themes: Mild
Violence: Mild
SPECIFIC CONTENT
Disrespectful/Bad Attitude:
-Neighbor boy refuses to let Manuelito, younger brother, play because he is "too slow."
-Kids make fun of Panchito because of his strong accent.
Frightening/Suspenseful:
-Disturbing scene when Torito, the baby, is very sick and eventually has to be taken to the hospital.
-Scene where stove bursts into flames and sets fire to entire house.
Profanity:
-Words/phrases used include 'tonto' (stupid), 'mocoso' (snotty), 'idiot', 'damn'.
Substance Use:
-Several mentions of cigarettes and chain smoking.
Mature Themes:
-Extreme poverty.
-Illegal immigration.
Violence
-Roberto mentions "being hit on the wrists with a twelve-inch ruler" for not following directions in school.
-Panchito fights with a boy on the playground.
-Kids "killed snakes and threw them in the garbage hole when it was burning and watched them sizzle and squirm."
-Father kills pet parrot by hitting it with a broom.
-Contratista pushes worker down and kicks him "in the side with the tip of his boot."
-Neighbor boy pushes Panchito who falls flat on his back.
