Under the Wire Summary

The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez focuses on the life of a Mexican child, Francisco, and his migrant worker family. They illegally cross the border to find work in California. They move from migrant camp to camp each season, thus Francisco and his family must start over constantly.

In Under the Wire, Francisco grows up in a small village in Mexico. He hears of the border and of California, but does not know exactly what they are. Papa announces that the family will cross the border and move to California. Roberto, Francisco's older brother, is excited. The family, which consists of Francisco, Mama, Papa, Roberto and baby brother Trampita, travel for two days and two nights by train. This is the first time Francisco sees or rides on a train. The family sneaks under a small hole in the wire...