Summary; this little chapter book consists of a story about Jesse and his brother Abel learning to survive on their own once there dad died. From going to college to working the fields this book tells the tale of a average Chicano struggling and striving for betterment. This could be used in a classroom to teach kids persistence and to never give up. Gary Soto is a great other i recommend! ( )

This story is abouttwo young Mexican American men; Jesse and his older brother Abel. The story takes place in Fresno California thirty years ago. In the beginning, Jesse decides to drop out of high school, move out of the house and away from his mother and stepfather. He wants a way out of his life of poverty. Jesse’s father had passed away from an industrial accident when Jesse and Abel were both young so Jesse decides to move in with Abel. Both of the boys enroll in a community college where Jesse studies art. The boys move into a small broke-down apartment that was gross but had cheap rent. From social security, they each receive $90 because of their father’s death. With the $90 they received, they spent on rent, college tuition, and to buy food and clothing. Since extra cash was needed, the boys worked on farms during weekends or sold things. The story continues though Jesse's first semester at the community college. The year continues when an unexpected romance occurs and a fight occurs between the brothers