Gr 8 Up-In this touching memoir, the author relates how he and his family illegally immigrated to the United States and were later returned to Mexico. Not giving up, he and his older brother came back again, followed by their family; several years later they were granted legal residence. Through much sacrifice from all members of the family, Jiménez attended university, where he met people who encouraged him to go beyond an undergraduate degree. Despite facing financial, health, and other issues, the author shows what he was able to accomplish with the unity and undivided love of his family. Photographs add warmth to the book by putting faces to the characters for whom readers develop deep appreciation. A testament to a strong faith in God and in Jiménezs talent, written in a relaxed manner, this is a most uplifting read. Narda McCarthy, Para Los Niños Consultant, Weston, FL

This Spanish-language version of Jimenez's Pura Belpre Honor Book Reaching Out has been flawlessly translated. Jimenez's third semi-autobiographical tale takes him from home as he attempts to break out of poverty and get an education. The author's works about growing up in a migrant farmworker family are seminal for helping to describe the Latino experience in the United States.