Sarah Olson
1/9/2014 09:12:59 am
"Instinctively, Robert and I ran and hid in the vineyards. We did not want to get in trouble for not going to school."
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Brianna Barboza
1/9/2014 11:49:16 am
The quote you chose was a great one to analyze according to this story. It's true how this is an example of inequality - especially since they were seen as less than human for speaking a mere different language.
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Malia
1/9/2014 12:35:59 pm
Great post! I agree, the cycle of poverty is very difficult to break.
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Ysabella Dawson
1/9/2014 01:42:44 pm
I also thought that this part of the story was especially striking.
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Carly
1/9/2014 03:10:11 pm
I totally agree that the most frustrating part of this story is the neverending loop they seem to be stuck in.
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Sophia C.
1/9/2014 11:19:19 pm
Yes, it is definitely a sad truth about what was going on at the time and what is still sort of going on today.
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Rachel Deaton
1/10/2014 08:58:04 am
Amazing post! I was shocked by this quote as well!
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Brianna Barboza
1/9/2014 11:45:50 am
In this time period, there is no doubt that Mexicans were treated in an unfair way. Poverty and discrimination is all Francisco knows at this point especially moving again after getting an actual grip in American lifestyle.
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Malia
1/9/2014 12:38:00 pm
The poverty Francisco faced was definitely difficult, especially when coupled with the racism he endured.
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Xochitl Aguinaga
1/9/2014 01:43:11 pm
I agree that Francisco's life of going from moderate comfort to barely getting by is not a very fulfilling life, there is no stability or a real physical home he can depend on.
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Ysabella Dawson
1/9/2014 01:44:01 pm
I also thought that them showering under a hose, and him taking such pride in coins as small as pennies, shows how much things are appreciated when you don't have that many of them.
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Justin Walker
1/9/2014 01:45:14 pm
The more shocking part of The Circuit is that due to Francisco's poverty, he is used to this type of lifestyle!
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Quentin Jackson
1/9/2014 01:47:45 pm
That is an interesting take on what the title means.
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Meilani
1/9/2014 02:25:39 pm
I agree, their constant state of poverty has put him against a lot of challenges.
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Sophia C.
1/9/2014 11:20:46 pm
I agree, and as he gets older, he starts to notice and understand it more and more.
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Malia
1/9/2014 12:35:11 pm
"Well... if you know what was in your librito, then it's not all lost."
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Gage Gamboa
1/9/2014 01:35:49 pm
Nice post, Malia! Nice observation on how seeing his friend's better living situation changed Francisco's perspective.
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Xochitl Aguinaga
1/9/2014 01:38:16 pm
I thought this was an interesting message from the book, that even in poverty people have strong attachments to possesions I think this just goes to show what is truly important in life--experiences, knowledge, etc.
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Sophia Kormanik
1/9/2014 02:20:54 pm
I really like your post i liked how you put your own input in it .
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Hannah
1/9/2014 10:55:38 pm
I really agree with you. And After the loss of his book in the fir, what his mom said was really cool and strong. Great analysis Malia!
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Quentin Jackson
1/9/2014 01:00:13 pm
"You can push me around, but you can't force me to play!"
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Gage Gamboa
1/9/2014 01:36:44 pm
Great post! Interesting ideas on the possible foreshadowing.
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Salina Brice
1/9/2014 04:04:17 pm
I really like that your going more in depth, I never thought of a strike until now, you bring up some good points.
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Rilind
1/9/2014 01:24:50 pm
I wonder if they will ever be fully accepted into society. I wonder if they will ever leave the circuit, and settle down in a home and have an easy life. Everyone is really stressed, but they are all putting in so much effort, especially with advancing their English skills. I have hope for them, to get the American dream.
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Quentin Jackson
1/9/2014 01:45:18 pm
At the very least, this book is an auto-biography, so we at least know that Francisco will do well enough as an author.
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Rachel Deaton
1/10/2014 08:59:22 am
I agree with you Rilind. Everyone is just going through so much.
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Gage Gamboa
1/9/2014 01:34:09 pm
While reading the end of the fourth scan, I couldn't help but imagine the frustration that Francisco must be feeling. Every time he is interested in or passionate about something in school, it is abruptly stripped away from him due to the hardships in his life. I think it is great that he continues to find joy in school, even though he has to continually overcome hurdles in his life in order to attend school.
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Lance Shuler
1/9/2014 01:35:43 pm
"Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega Señora por nosotros los pecadores ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte, amén."
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Ysabella Dawson
1/9/2014 01:42:02 pm
“One Friday after school, Carl invited me to his home to see his coin collection. As soon as the last bell rang, we both ran to his house, which was only three blocks away. When I walked in, I was amazed. I had never been in a house before.”
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Vivian Mason
1/9/2014 02:48:26 pm
The quote you worked was so powerful on its own, it seems challenging to respond to such a powerful quote! However you response was beautiful. Next time maybe try adding your feeling about this, make a personal connection :)
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Carly
1/9/2014 03:11:53 pm
This really struck me, too. Something we take for granted could mean the world to someone else.
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Rachel Maristela
1/9/2014 03:48:47 pm
Great analysis! I totally agree with you. Its very interesting how you are able to get the perspective of a Border Patrol agent. Pretty cool. (:
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Justin Walker
1/9/2014 11:43:58 pm
Excellent analysis about Carl's house!
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Justin Walker
1/9/2014 01:43:26 pm
"Well... if you know what was in your librito, then it's not all lost."
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Cole Sargent
1/9/2014 02:28:51 pm
I also connected to losing material possessions and accepting things that you just simply can't plan for. Great analysis!
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Xochitl Aguinaga
1/9/2014 01:55:04 pm
" We packed our belongings and left Santa Maria in September the week school started."
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Meilani
1/9/2014 02:27:46 pm
I agree, he already has a difficult time adjusting to his new environment, and the constant movement isn't helping his struggle against his challenges.
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Cole Sargent
1/9/2014 02:30:32 pm
I also feel like Francisco could have gone pretty far if he just had a stable life at home.
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Meilani
1/9/2014 02:22:51 pm
"I was so excited I almost forgot to thank Papa."
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Rachel Maristela
1/9/2014 03:46:25 pm
I agree with you! Great post! (:
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Grady Gumner
1/9/2014 03:55:13 pm
I think people as poor as Francisco's family cherish any material possessions no matter their worth. It is quite sad to see Francisco getting excited over a penny when there were families living in the United States in such excess...
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Sophia Kormanik
1/9/2014 02:27:26 pm
When I was reading this latest scan I felt bad for Francisco because he tries to hard and every time he tries he falls a little but he gets back up he is so determined. His out side of school life is frustrating but its so nice how school is his personal escape from it all of the other problems. Most kids in his situation just don't care about school and make poor decisions its nice to know he's not giving up.
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Hannah
1/9/2014 11:00:29 pm
Sophia, I like your analysis of his perservirence in school despite the odds he goes through. I agree with you about how a lot of people take school for granted and make poor decisions, and how Fran is doing his best.
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Lisa Valtierra
1/10/2014 10:49:32 am
I like how you made the connection that most kids don't care about school and how he doesn't quit.
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Cole Sargent
1/9/2014 02:27:48 pm
I connected this reading to the packet we read earlier in class today on the treatment of Mexican Americans during the 1930s. The fact that Francisco, a person who was so dedicated to integrating into American culture that he memorized the entire Declaration of Independence, and a kid who just all around cared about working hard and educating himself would have to worry about being deported by la migra is pretty depressing. It just goes to show that although America's attitude towards Mexicans has significantly improved since the 1930s, they are still suffering through poverty and some level of segregation.
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Grady Gumner
1/9/2014 03:58:58 pm
Today in the reading conversation in class my group discussed the treatment of Mexicans today and most of us agreed that they are still treated with much of the same hatred as in the 1930s. While our government no longer deports them, we still use them as the scapegoat for many of our problems. I think as long as there are "minorities" in the United States there will always be discrimination and hatred.
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Trey Lewis
1/9/2014 02:40:47 pm
I wanted to connect the book to real life. Francisco tries his hardest to attend school each and every day. He finds joy in school and is appreciative to the fact that he can attend. Most kids in school elementary through high school are sad about attending school. They feel like it is too boring or too hard. People like Francisco who are happy and glad to be getting an education realize the true benefit of going to school. He knows that there are plenty of other things that he could be doing other than getting an education, but he really wants to make his future bright. Francisco is a lot smarter than he takes credit for, not only because he attends school, but also because his motivation will take him very far in life.
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Vivian Mason
1/9/2014 02:46:38 pm
I really enjoyed the connections you made! Next time try connecting it to your self even :)
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Alex Demos
1/9/2014 05:25:22 pm
Couldn't agree more with your opinion on this matter. Some people don't appreciate the importance of getting a quality education and don't feel there is a point, whereas those who do realize the importance of quality education get where they want to be.
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Carly
1/9/2014 03:09:07 pm
"He can cheat me out of my money. He can fire me. But he can't force me to do what isn't right. He can't take away my dignity. That he can't do!"
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Jessica B
1/9/2014 11:10:13 pm
This is a very powerful quote when it stands alone which only makes it more bitter when Gabriel was beat to the floor and fired.
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Jackson Walker
1/9/2014 03:30:08 pm
My reflection, this time, is on one of the first chapters in the scan. Page 95 seemed to catch my attention, after Francisco defends Manuelito against Carlos, so that he can play kick the can. In page 95, Francisco comes back from picking strawberries for the day, the same day he found out Gabriel was fired. He seemed very frustrated and agitated, even though he didn't want to play kick the can, which usually alleviates his worries. Once Manuelito finally asks him to play, Francisco agrees. He then goes head to head with Carlos to run and kick the can (which I guess is how the game works), and when he does he kicks it and it lands in a garbage bin. He then says that was the last time that he ever played kick the can. I think it's interesting that the last time he plays kick the can is also when Gabriel works for his last time (or the day after to be exact). However, it could be totally unrelated, perhaps it is meant to represent his growth and maturity. What I do see a strong parallel to is how once Gabriel stood up to the Contraista about picking strawberries, Francisco built up the courage to confront Carlos, the bully, about kicking the can. And once Gabriel was fired and didn't return, Franscico stopped playing kick the can. It seems that Francisco is replicating what Gabriel was doing. It would seem like Francisco sees him as a role model of sorts. From Gabriels description, it would make sense- he gives of a very strong vibe, the kind Francisco would admire. Which is a real bummer since Gabriel is gone now, and would also explain why Francisco was so upset that he was gone.
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Rachel Maristela
1/9/2014 03:44:48 pm
There are two things in this reading that struck me the most.
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Grady Gumner
1/9/2014 03:52:39 pm
Quote: "When I saw him putting on his work clothes, I remembered we were going to work, and not to school. My shoulders were heavy." (Jiménez 87)
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Hayes Sherr
1/9/2014 04:55:19 pm
I like the way you put this in summary. The way Francisco wants to learn is amazing because his parents just want to work and don't realize they could have a better education if they went to school.
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Alex Demos
1/9/2014 05:23:27 pm
I also recognized the connection between the first and last days of school for him within the story. It is interesting to see how much he picked up over time, yet have it all learned for nothing when boarder officials come to take him away.
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Vivian Mason
1/9/2014 03:57:36 pm
The last line of the section we read tonight sends chills running up my spine. "Border Patrol" (pg. 134). It was terrifying because as the reader you become so connected to the characters, they are your little brother or sister. As the reader you want to jump into the book itself and rescue this character you know so well. However the character is only a character and you can't jump into the story. It is always hard to wake up from reading a book and go back to reality.
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Salina Brice
1/9/2014 04:02:38 pm
Great post, I wish I could jump in and help them too!
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Salina Brice
1/9/2014 04:01:27 pm
"I had know the day was coming, but I tried not to think about it because it made me sad. For my classmates, it was a happy day"pg.84
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JessicaB
1/9/2014 11:08:35 pm
I felt the same way about this passage! It's interesting to think how much we take school for granted.
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John Laine
1/9/2014 04:09:16 pm
"I knew then I had not yet earned my own cotton sack."
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Katie
1/9/2014 04:24:30 pm
For the most part in this section it seem that the border patrol were becoming a more frequent occurrence, of course we later learn this was foreshadowing. The entire book you can't help but let yourself hope for this family, hope they make enough to survive, hope they find a decent farm to work, hope they can get real jobs that would allow them to live in one place. You hope for so much for this family most of all you hope for them to be able to continue living in America. Seeing Panchito being taken by la migra crushes all of those small hopes, those hopes you got from him and his family that never stopped loving eachother no matter how rough it got. When I reading the first close encounter with the border patrol It's easy to feel the fear and anxiety that is clearly being felt by the entire family. And that was them getting off the hook, the amount of fear when they were actually being taken in by the border patrol must have been suffocating.
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Jessica Pollock
1/9/2014 04:44:18 pm
"But one day, when the ant was cooking a pot of beans, she fell in it and drowned, leaving El Ratoncito with a lot of pennies, but terribly sad and lonely. so you see, mi'jito, Rorra is more important than the pennies. Don't be so hard on your little sister."
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Hayes Sherr
1/9/2014 04:51:00 pm
This is so true! I take this the same way as the story says it. Great quote.
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Hayes Sherr
1/9/2014 04:47:37 pm
"I had known the day was coming, but I tried not to think about it because it made me sad. For my classmates, it was a happy day"
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Karen Barragan
1/9/2014 05:15:57 pm
"I knew where we were going to live for the next several months."
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Lisa Valtierra
1/10/2014 10:50:57 am
I liked the last sentence so much, it's perfect. I literally think that sums up how most Mexicans felt during this time.
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Jordan Garcia
1/9/2014 05:19:29 pm
" The instant I saw the green uniform, I panicked. I wanted to run but my legs would not move. I began to tremble and could feel my heart pounding against my chest as though it wanted to escape to."
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Alex Demos
1/9/2014 05:21:18 pm
As I read the end of the book, I was expecting an interesting turn of events to see that Francisco and his family's fortune would start to improve, but instead they are raided and taken away by border patrol officials. Francisco himself had a lot of potential going for him, he was very determined, and ready to do whatever it would take to reach the goal he was aiming for. Many examples are provided when he tries to prove himself to his family so he can work alongside his father and his older brother in the fields, and when he stands up to the bossy playmate when they played kick the can. It proved if he wanted to be a part of something he had the potential to get there.
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Julz Valencia
1/9/2014 10:57:09 pm
"'You can Have my taquitos,' I said. 'Only if you take this jelly sandwich,' he responded handing it to me. Page 89.
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Hannah OConnell
1/9/2014 11:07:36 pm
"...the day was coming, but I tried not to think about it because it made me sad. For my classmates, it was a happy day."
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Jessica Boensch
1/9/2014 11:19:48 pm
Many habits of heart are shown through this chapter as well as the rest of the text. The biggest example I saw was self advocacy. Nearly every family member has to have this trait to survive. The children are responsible for their education which is self advocacy because they want to learn. In fact, Panchito is terribly sad when he has to leave school and counts down the days until he can return. Not only that but he keeps his librito with him at all times so he can always be studying and learning English. In this way he is not only standing up for himself and his future but also the future of his family. His skills in English will undoubtably be helpful in the future. Both of these traits show Panchito’s tremendous self advocacy.
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Paris Gramann
1/11/2014 07:21:58 am
I love that you said that each of the characters NEED self-advocacy to survive. It is so true. When you live in a life where everything can or is handed to you, you do not need to aspire to anything bigger if you do not want it.
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Sophia C.
1/9/2014 11:24:53 pm
This reading started out with sad parts, yes, but with each of his losses, the main character learns a very useful lesson taught to him by his mom. He learns that even if he gets angry at them, his family is more important than his material possessions. He also learns that even though the fire took away the physical notepad and words, it is all still right there in his head. Over the course of these chapters he grows so much, he starts to dream about getting a year round job with his brother and living in a place he likes for the rest of his life. At the end though, his dream seems to be gone as he is picked up by border patrol.
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Ryan M
1/10/2014 12:12:55 am
"When I saw him putting on his work clothes, I remembered we were going to work, and not to school." As I keep reading this book the more and more I think of how much Francisco has grown from the begining of the book. Fransico has grown just like the caterpillar he saw in the first grade to the now fully grown butterfly at the end of his 7th grade. Not only has Fransico grown physically but also in his intelligence. When he was younger he thought that by working in the fields with his father that would be the best way to support. Now that he's grown he now knows that the best wau to support his family is by going to school and fetting a good education.
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Lisa Valtierra
1/10/2014 12:25:55 am
The HOHAM that I decide to use was connection. All through the book I saw things that I could relate to or saw so far.
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Preston Royal
1/10/2014 12:28:05 am
During this latest assigned reading, I had mixed emotions that ranged from happiness to utter sadness. I think that Francisco still making an effort in school and trying his best is really inspirational. We take for granted how great we have it and how we go to a great school. I feel that his life is just one bad event after another. He has to go through so many terrible accidents. When his house burnt down, he lost everything, but still he kept his head up. I wonder what will happen because the border patrol walked in at very last part, and I hope that he doesn't get deported.
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Erik Salazar
1/10/2014 12:30:40 am
When Francicsos house burned down, multiple thoughts ran through my head. I felt sad for Francisco's loss, it seems that every good thing he has, will ultimately disappear from his life. Just like his parrot, Mr. Lema and learning how to read and now losing his house and "librito". I also feel that this is toughening up for the future. I think he will become so determined that he will be able to face any issue that comes his way, even deportation.
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Paris Gramann
1/10/2014 03:28:56 am
"...So you see, mi'jito, Rotta is more important than the pennies. Don't be hard on your little sister." pg. 108
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Tess Herzog
1/10/2014 04:27:53 am
“‘You either do what I say or I’ll have you fired!’ ‘Don’t do that, please,’ Gabriel said. ‘I have a family to feed.’ ‘I don’t give a damn about your family!’”
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Anthony W.
1/10/2014 08:43:42 am
I felt that as this book goes on, it becomes more impacting. I feel as if it portrays what Mexican immigrants had to go through in order to have a better life in a stark and straight to the point matter. I like how this story provides even the smallest detail without going too in depth to make it boring. Reading this, I wonder how many people really look at it from the perspective of the immigrant and see them as a human being instead of something lesser
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Rachel Deaton
1/10/2014 08:56:40 am
I love your comments! I feel the exact way!
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Rachel Deaton
1/10/2014 08:55:55 am
"I stood up and followed the immigration officer out of the classroom and into his car marked "Border Patrol."
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Paris Gramann
1/11/2014 07:17:15 am
Rachel, I too enjoy happy books! I've noticed that sad books tend to make you think about life and what has happened. Happy books build you up more!
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Chelsea
1/10/2014 11:32:40 am
"Well this isn't your country, idiot! You either do what I say or I'll have you fired!"
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rebecca
1/10/2014 12:04:19 pm
" The instant I saw the green uniform, I panicked. I wanted to run but my legs would not move. I began to tremble and could feel my heart pounding against my chest as though it wanted to escape to."
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casper Norrman Rasmussen
1/10/2014 12:22:14 pm
"I, and the rest of the family grew up to love el piroco"
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Sabrina
1/10/2014 01:48:19 pm
I connected this reading to the video we finished today in Spanish, about young boys crossing the border to make a better life for themselves. They and Francisco both have a drive or passion to pursue their dreams, a trait not many have. It amazes me that no matter how much the world progress, success is not eaiser to achieve but yet it seems to be much harder. Both groups of boys went through obstacles to achieve their dream. In the movie, the dangers of the railroad and gangs is very prevalent so that is a problem constantly on their minds. In Francisco's story, he was already in America but could never ground himself enough to be successful whether at school or with his family working. In both parties, they never seemed to do well enough. This harsh reality is very saddening, and makes me appreciate my life that much more.
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Ryan Novak
1/11/2014 03:12:32 am
"...So you see, mi'jito, Rotta is more important than the pennies. Don't be hard on your little sister." pg. 108
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John E.
1/11/2014 05:27:50 am
"You're lucky you get to see them every day, Gabriele said. I haven't seen mine for months."
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Abby Thompson
1/12/2014 03:31:27 pm
I thought these chapters were pretty depressing because the main character (His name escapes my mind at the moment) loses so much in such a short period of time, like when he was remembering how he met one of his very good friends with coin collecting. After he had moved away, the only thing he had with him to remember his friend was the penny he had been gifted by him. Even though later on when the main character's younger sister spent the two pennies and he was furious with her, his mother told him a story explaining that friends and family are far more important than money and that he shouldn't worry about it too much. I thought this was an interesting story she told and I thought it was good that even though he was angry with his sister, he was able to overlook her mistake and carry on.
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Crystal Delgado
1/13/2014 09:28:05 am
TFW: I think that Francisco had gone through so much in such a short time. He really has been through hell and back without much to show for it. Becuase of all that's happened, there was a lot of charcter development and you see this little boy go from naive and just wanting to helped to this hardened "young man" in a way. I feel like he's not the boy he once way becuase of all this. He hasn't really had a childhood like other people have had. He worked hard and he was put through rough waters. I wonder how he feels on all of this. would he say it has made him a better person? or would he say it was hell and wish none of it would have happened? Does he have any regrets or wishes?
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Christopher Bargman
1/14/2014 07:08:14 am
"Si, Papa" I answered timidly. I was hurt and confused. Seeking comfort , I walked over to Roberto and whispered to him "SOmeday I will get to go and pick cotton with you , Papa, and Mama."
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Christopher Bargman
1/14/2014 12:30:32 pm
"I felt scared. I had never seen men fight before. My mouth felt dry and my hands and legs began to shake."
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