I read the book called The Circuit, when I started read that book, I really like it, I read that book like a lot of times, and I still like the book right now, this is a great book i didn't see before, and i read the book called Breaking Through which is continued The Circuit, that book is good,too.. I have an idea, when you finished The Circuit, why don't you read the book named Breaking Though, I think that you will like it, too... Franciso Jimenez is an good author, I like his books. Anyways.. truse me, read the book named Breaking Though

This is a book that is suitable for all ages. Jimenez manages to describe his childhood in a manner that captivates the reader. I could not put the book down once I began reading. Do not think that just because these events happened long ago,that migrant families do not experience some of the same horrors today, for they do. I teach ESL to adult migrant workers and after reading this book I have an even greater respect for these hard working individuals. The farms and ranches of California could not exist as they do today without migrants who do the back breaking work in the fields. Most evenings at class my students (both men and women) come in directly from the fields, their eyes bloodshot, their hands rough and calloused, their backs bowed over. But they come eager to learn English so they can get a better job, or so they can help their children have a better education. An admirable people and Jimenez's book provides insight into their difficult working and living conditions.

A fast read, but also a must-read for all ... especially teachers in the Southwestern part of the U.S. where we encounter so many migrant families. It really opens your eyes and helps you see a little piece of what people go through.

I actually found this book in a barber shop. The illustrations got the attention of my 2 year old. What a find! Every parent regardless of the age of their children should read this book at bed time. It had the attention of my four children, ages 2 to 10. I actually felt like I was reading my parents, and grandparents Christmas story. I was lucky enough to not have to live my life through rough times like this. I was able to have the education that my parents and grandparents worked so hard for, but only could dream of. This story helped me remember and appreciate all they had to endure. What a story it brought me back to my roots. Only warning I have for future readers... have tissues close at hand!

Many Christmas books talk about wonderous gifts and fantasy that is often too commercial. This wonderful story will help children find the true meaning behind Christmas, and see that everybody does not experience Christmas in the same manner, or get every thing they want.

A true story from the author's childhood, this is a beautiful and moving tale told simply in both English and Spanish. My wife and I were both dabbing our eyes with handkerchiefs by the time we finished reading. The illustrations are very well done and enhance the message of the book. Highly recommended as an antidote to the typical materialist emphasis of Christmas.

Having read "The Circuit" by the same author, I was eager to read "La Mariposa" to my younger students. Francisco Jimenez creates beautifully written semi-autobiographical stories about life as a child of a family of migrant farmers from Mexico. The the eyes of the main character, Francisco, we experience a child's first day in a new school, where he is the object of stares and, at the hands of a bully, ridicule. However, Francisco is a dreamer, and he conveys his dreams through beautiful pictures of... butterflies. The goodness of his teacher and classmates shine through in the end of this beautiful and sensitive story as they admire his artwork and share in his dream.

The book was written true-to-life and it uses appropriate spelling words for young students and wonderful Spanish words for everyone. Excellent color illustrations. I would recommend this book to an adult or older student so they could read it to a younger child, K through the 4th grade.

I thought this book was very interesting. It told about the life of a boy who had moved to California from Mexico, where he was born. He had to work everyday after school to help support his poor family. He was very smart and maintained good grades and even got into college, which no one in his family had ever done before. He has to struggle with his father to make decisions financially and about his future. His father does not speak English and gets stressed out a lot. His mother is very understanding and tries to make everything work out for the family.

I enjoyed reading this book because it took place not too long ago and the boy was around my age. I could not believe that he had to work to help support his family. I thought it was interesting because whatever money I get, my parents let me keep for myself, but everything he had was given to his parents.

I would suggest reading this book because it shows the struggles of people on the other side of my country only a few decades ago. I would have never known what it was like there if I had not read this book.

The cliffhanger at the end of the Circuit is resolved in this amazing book. Francisco Jimenez's story of growing up poor and Mexican in the 1950s tells a powerful story. I highly recommend this book for all readers, young and old.

"Breaking Through" is an excellent follow-up for those of us hungering for more after "The Circuit." It follows Francisco Jimenez's life through high school. Francisco Jimenez goes deeper into depth about all that he faced, including his relationships with his parents. He accurately portrays the challenges so many parents and teens, especially Latinos, face in dealing with issues of love, understanding, and personal struggles that affect their relationships.I think teenagers will especially enjoy and connect with this book. It will inspire and motivate many. Teachers, use it in your classrooms - especially middle and high school!