Description

When falling crop prices threaten his family with starvation, fifteen-year-old Victor Flores heads north in an attempt to "cross the wire" from Mexico into the United States so he can find work and send money home. But with no coyote money to pay the smugglers who sneak illegal workers across the border, Victor must struggle to survive as he jumps trains, stows away on trucks, and hikes grueling miles through the Arizona desert.

Victor's journey is fraught with danger, freezing cold, scorching heat, hunger, and dead ends. It's a gauntlet run by millions attempting to cross the border. Through Victor's often desperate struggle, Will Hobbs brings to life one of the great human dramas of our time.

About the Author

Will Hobbs is the award-winning author of more than fifteen novels for young readers, including Jason's Gold, Wild Man Island, Jackie's Wild Seattle, and Leaving Protection. Seven of his books have been chosen by the American Library Association as Best Books for Young Adults. A graduate of Stanford University, Will lives in Durango, Colorado, with his wife, Jean. They are frequent visitors to southern Arizona's deserts and mountains. crossing the wire combines the author's on-the-ground experience with extensive research into the hardships facing immigrants attempting to cross illegally into the U.S. through these forbidding landscapes.

Praise for Crossing the Wire…

“Provocative...puts a human face on the controversial issue of illegal immigration.”
-Booklist

“Riveting...an exciting story in a vital contemporary setting”
-Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“A page-turning adventure”
-Kirkus Reviews

“This gritty and realistic tale will be an eye-opener for many YAs”
-KLIATT