indigent family. Panchito’s family included his parents, four brothers, and young sister.
The family, which at first consisted of only Roberto, Panchito, and their parents, decided to sneak past the immigration illegally and enter California in order to leave their poverty behind. They first were given a job picking cotton in a Santa Maria.Unfortunately, Panchito could not pick cotton, for he was too young. He envied his older brother, Roberto, who was fifteen years old, for he was able to. Both Roberto and Panchito had a very difficult time at school, for they knew little English. Several weeksafter arriving in California, their mother gave birth to Torito, who became very sick. Although it took a miracle, a doctor was able to heal the newborn.
Later, they left Santa Maria and headed to Corcoran, where they again pickedcotton. Unfortunately, it rained often so they could not pick as much cotton and therefore,made less money. After the cotton season was over, the family traveled to Orosi, wherethey picked grapes for Mr. Patrini. They where given a nice home to live in, but it burned down when they used gasoline for their kerosene stove.
The family left again for Corcoran, but changed their mind because of Papa’sinability to work in the fields. Since Papa had a sore back, they moved to Santa Maria,where Panchito could continue his education, and Roberto could find a job. With the help of the generous Mr. Sims, Roberto’s old principal, he was hired to become the janitor and an elementary school.
Right when everything seemed okay, the Border Patrol caught the family. During the school day, they barged into Panchito’s classroom and led him to their car. Unfortunately for them, their efforts to leave their poverty behind would be wasted.
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