Senderos Fronterizos | Sparknotes ~upd~

The Jiménez family is caught by la migra and deported to Mexico. Francisco and Roberto eventually return to California alone to work and attend school until the family is reunited.

Francisco’s older brother. Roberto is the tragic shadow of what Francisco could have become—equally smart, but forced to quit school to work full-time. Their relationship is strained by jealousy and love. Roberto’s sacrifice allows Francisco to study. senderos fronterizos sparknotes

Francisco frequently remains silent when classmates mock his accent or his clothes. This silence is a survival mechanism. The novel’s climax is him breaking that silence—writing his truth, speaking on stage, and admitting to Susan where he comes from. The Jiménez family is caught by la migra