Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs

Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs

This was an incredibly compelling story - I read it in one sitting, barely breaking throughout. While the title and cover leave little doubt what will happen to the main character, it is still a bitter moment when Victor learns about the poor corn prices and is forced to go north to the United States to try to find work and support his family.

Fifteen seems to young, and it breaks the heart as Victor tries to find strength in numbers befriending a few others along his path who area able to impart some "wetback" wisdom if not long term companionship.

Victor's journey is like a roller coaster with wild peaks and slow climbs, disappointing turns, and an ending that feels like it comes too soon, but still has your heart pounding expecting things to start again. It is the knowledge that journeys similar to this may be too familiar to some children that really makes the story have a punch. Most people have heard about the problems on the border and the complex issues that surround government handling of the situation on both sides. Issues are never as easy when you tie faces and stories to the problems - this is no exception. A good introduction to a hard topic for middle school students -