Crossing the Wire

by Will Hobbs

Fifteen-year old Victor Flores lives in Mexico and has been supporting his family by growing corn. Faced with starvation, he has no choice but to leave his home and head to the United States to try to make money to feed his family. The trip is fraught with danger, thirst and hunger. Successive attempts to reach the north are met with failure as he treks over mountains, gets involved with drug traffickers, and faces near-death situations. Eventually, he makes it but he has paid a high price.

The author has once again created a tale of survival and adventure. He also addresses the controversial issue of illegal immigration that is so often in the news these days and puts a very human face on it. Action-packed and thought- provoking at the same time. Grades 6 to 9.

Reviewed by Mrs. Reinhart (10/2007)