Breaking Through

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. La migra (Chapter 1)

2. The preamble to the Declaration of Independence (Chapter 1)

Short Answer

1. The Jiménez family emphasizes virtues of self-discipline, spirituality, maturity, and hard work. Their mother, Joaquina, is the embodiment of nurturance and self-sacrifice. Intuitive and loving, she realizes how desperately Panchito wishes to accompany Roberto back to California; she persuades her husband by suggesting that Panchito can help his brother at work, “and both can attend school.” Panchito, who despairs at the thought of falling further behind in school, feels that his mother had read his mind. Although the children are somewhat intimidated by their rather stern father, they are all interested in pleasing their parents and making them proud. (Chapters 1-3)

2. When Roberto’s cash earnings are stolen from under the boys’ mattress, they hide future paychecks in a ceramic bust of Jesus that they’ve salvaged from the dump. Literally and metaphorically, their means of sustenance are saved by their faith. Similarly, the brothers tackle issues of ethnic discrimination (e.g., the apparent dismay of the parents of Peggy, Panchito’s classmate, after they realize that he is Mexican). (Chapters 1-3)

Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1.