At the age of fourteen, Francisco Jime;nez, together with his older brother Roberto and his mother, are caught by la migra. Forced to leave their home, the entire family travels all night for twenty hours by bus, arriving at the U.S. and Mexican border in Nogales, Arizona. In the months and years that follow, Francisco, his mother and father, and his seven brothers and sister not only struggle to keep their family together, but also face crushing...

“This sequel to Breaking Through and The Circuit again brings to the forefront the daily trials of poor immigrant families . . . compelling and honest.”—School Library Journal
 
From the perspective of the young adult he was then, Francisco Jiménez describes the challenges he faced in his efforts to continue his education.
 
During his college years,...

"Economic inequality affects everybody. No matter how rich or poor you are, economic inequality impacts every aspect of your life--the place where you live, the opportunities you experience, the healthcare you get, the education you receive. More Than Money breaks down why the rich seem to be getting richer while the rest of us are struggling to just get by. With vivid, energetic illustrations, the use of graphs and charts, and tips for how to investigate...

To be without a permanent home is markedly upsetting for any person's wellbeing and development. This compassionate book balances personal anecdotes from real young people in troubled situations with valuable resources to help out anyone in such an unfortunate situation. Whether it's a friend in need or a reader personally dealing with this kind of crisis, there are easily applicable, real-world suggestions on how to stay off the streets or use the...

In today's world of economic uncertainty, homelessness is a growing problem for families everywhere. Homelessness can happen with little warning, and when it does occur, it is vital to know what actions to take immediately, and what resources are available. Readers will find practical strategies to follow if they should suddenly find themselves homeless, addressing issues that include how to find shelter, food, and medical care and how to stay in...

More than two million kids in the U.S. face homelessness each year, with 57 percent going without food for at least one day a month. Teens represent a shocking 7 percent of the country's total homeless population. Whether they're crashing on someone's couch, living in cars, staying in shelters, or literally sleeping on the street, studies show that the plight of homeless youths is only growing worse. The viewpoints in this book tackle the economic...

"Through much of human history, only a small, elite group escaped the hardships of poverty. Industrialization helped reverse that trend, and world poverty has been steadily decreasing for 200 years. However, is the total eradication of poverty possible? This book traces the history and understanding of poverty, explores the realities of those living in poverty around the world, and examines innovations designed to eliminate extreme poverty on a global...

Self-proclaimed atheist virgin, Mo Perez, has no interest in meeting Mr. Right. She has enough problems trying to cope with her foster care upbringing, her alternative education classes, and constant financial hardships thanks to Marci, her 21-year-old sister and legal guardian who refuses to get a real job. It's a lot for a 16-year-old to handle. But Mo Perez is no ordinary 16-year-old. Her razor sharp wit and unmistakable street smarts earn her...

Explores the nature of food politics, covering such topics as factory and industrial farming, the effect of climate change on the food supply, genetic engineering, and how the needs of the world's starving population can be met

"Do you often feel sad, anxious, angry, or upset and don't really know why? Do you no longer enjoy the things you used to enjoy, or feel like the world is a bad place? If you've experienced extreme stress or trauma--such as abuse, neglect, a family member's illness, or living through a natural disaster--you may need help healing and moving forward in your life. It's important to know that you are not alone, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Most...