Crossing the Wire
Written by: Will Hobbs
Published by: Harper Collins Publishers
Lexile Measure: 670L
"My heart began to race. I started to go dizzy again. My stomach was cramping, I went all weak in my legs. I felt like I was going to peel off the cliff and fall any second. The worst part was, I thought I saw handholds and footholds above me in the moonlight.
All I could reach for now was my family. I saw my mother's face. I heard her voice: 'Think of us, and it will help. Always know, you are never alone.'" (pg. 189).
Summary: As corn prices fall, fifteen year old Victor Flores struggles to make enough money farming to support his family. Faced with constant hunger he decides to go work "El Norte" so his mother and sisters don't have to beg on the street. He does not have the coyote money to cross the border with a guide so he must attempt to cross the wire into the United States on his own. Met with danger from the land, from the border patrol and from drug runners he eventually makes it to the United States to work.
Learning Objectives: The subject of illegal immigration may be a controversial one but the book offers a different perspective on the issue. Students will learn more about the motivation for people to embark on such a risky journey. They will understand more about some of the dangers involved with illegal immigration. They will also learn a little bit about some of the challenges presented to those who are trying to enter the country legally and why so many choose to come into the country illegally.
The story discusses the use of "mules" and drug trafficking. There are some scenes where Victor and his friend, Rico, are being chased by drug traffickers who are trying to kill them and there is a shooting. There are several other scenes which may be disturbing for young readers.
