Crossing the Wire

by Will Hobbs

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.

Genres: Young Adult, Adventure, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Survival, Chapter Books, Middle Grade

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

WILL HOBBS is the author of seventeen novels for upper elementary, middle school and young adult readers, as well as two picture book stories. Seven of his novels, Bearstone, Downriver, The Big Wander, Beardance, Far North, The Maze, and Jason's Gold, were named Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. ALA also named Far North and Downriver to their list of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of the Twentieth Centrury. Ghost Canoe received the Edgar Allan Poe Award in 1998 for Best Young Adult Mystery.

In outdoor stories that appeal to both boys and girls, Hobbs has readers discovering wild places, sharing adventures with people from varied backgrounds, and exploring how to make important choices in their own lives. A graduate of Stanford University and former reading and language arts teacher, Will has been a full-time writer since 1990. He lives with his wife, Jean, in Durango, Colorado.

Will's books have won many other awards, including the California Young Reader Medal, the Western Writers of America Spur Award, the Mountains and Plains Booksellers Award, the Colorado Book Award, and nominations to state award lists in over thirty states.

Reviews

[Michael Blazek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a Mexican boy named Victor who is 16 that tries to go to the United States to get a job so he can feed his family. his brother already left for a job so he decides to as well. he encounters many dangers along the way such as border patrol. eventually after a struggle Victor and his brother meet up at a town and they continue to journey together to the United States. they eventually get there and work as farmers to feed their family.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Name: Sarah Fretz

Citation: Hobbs, W. (2006). Crossing the wire. New York: HarperCollins.

Genre: Adventure

Award:

Format: Hardcover

Selection: School Library Journal, 2006

Review:

Living in a poor, rural area of Mexico, Victor and his best friend Rico work hard bring money and food to their struggling families. Rico confides in Victor that he has been sent money to hire a “coyote” to take him to the United States. Scared for his friend, Victor stays silent but soon realizes that with no hope in Mexican agriculture and in order to better provide for his family, he may have to follow in Rico’s steps. However, with coyote prices so high, Victor is unsure how to make the trip.

Knowing his family comes first, he makes the grueling decision to attempt to cross the border, alone. The book takes you on Victor’s adventurous journey through the desert, through tunnels, on trains and in cars and in the woods. The reader travels in a fast-pace as Victor faces danger (and the authorities), meets others in the same situation, and tries desperately to get to a place that he truly believes can save his family. As he eventually reunites with Rico, the young men face these dangers together and make startling decisions in the end.

The descriptions of the area, the ever-present danger, and the anticipation put the reader right in Victor’s shoes as he makes the dangerous decision to cross the border. The page-turning, exciting story is reminiscent of the many daily journeys we hear about so often as people attempt to come to the United States.

Highly recommended.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

My 8th grade daughter read this in her English class, and I read it alongside her to discuss it with her.

It is about a teenager named Victor Flores who lives in Mexico and he is trying to "cross the wire" to get into the United States so he could work and send money back to his mother and siblings in Mexico.

All kinds of pitfalls and mishaps happen to Victor during his journey. He gets chased by the border patrol (of course), is confronted by not one, but two cats of prey in the mountains, he gets shot at, and even gets bitten by a snake. You name it, and it happens to Victor. The story is WAY overblown and overly dramatic and there was very little characterization of Victor, so I didn't really sympathize with his plight.

The reason for the two stars, is because there are areas in the plot that are realistic to what actually happens to immigrants coming into the southwestern U.S., and the settings in Mexico and Arizona and New Mexico were fairly well done, so kudos to the author for that.

[Eduardo Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing the Wire is a book that portrays the very real reality of immigration in the United State. We follow the life of Victor and the conflicts he faces coming to the country. These conflicts are both within Victors family and Victors actual travels to America. Often times we only hear of these stories but with Crossing the Wire we are able to put a face to this story. The book always had me on the edge of my seat. I was always wondering if things were going to work out for Victor. There were many times when I thought it would be the end but Victors perseverance and luck helps him along his journey. In times like today I think is important to read stories like this where it shows the real struggle of someone trying to provide for their family in desperate times of need. As a person who comes from a family of immigrants, this book is not just a book, it is a story of something that could have easily happened in my family.

[Layla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't usually the type of book I read but since I had to read this for school it was actually really interesting. I liked being able to learn about both sides of the border situation and all of the crazy stuff that can happen to people trying to cross over to the US. While this was a really good story it moved super slow for me so I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.

[Eric Jovel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing the Wire
By Will Hobbs

For almost decades people below the American Border have tried to cross for a better fortune, but have you ever wondered how challenging this journey is for one. In this book it explains to you the struggles one goes through to make it into America. This is a realistic fiction book as it talks about something that could happen. This is a book about a young 15 year olds boy named Victor Flores. As he lives in a small town in Mexico selling of crops, but then Victor is too come and realize that price rate is falling of and that his family is gonna end up poor. So with all this he comes up the conclusion that he must go through the border and work so his family can survive. It tells you all the near death experiences Victor has to go through as he is so desperate to make it to America. This book can show many types of conflict for example, Victor has to go through rough paths to make it to his destination. His body refuses, but he doesn’t pushes through even though it hurts like heck That was example of character vs self. Another example of conflict was when Victor has to break the law to come into America as an Illegal Immigrant. As you can see that was character vs society. He has to break the law. I like this book because it gives you that sense of adventure. It tells you how Victor is walking through the many obstacles to reach his destination. They’re saying so they can give you that feeling like you were there.

I’d recommend this book to anyone above the 4th grade. Because it talks about topics a 3rd or below wouldn’t understand or would consider it inappropriate.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have strong opinions about the complex and controversial issue of illegal immigration, which is not to say that I don't have strong feelings about trying to do the right thing, or being the person you want to be, or attempting to keep your head up in even the most challenging of situations. Though a work of fiction, Victor Flores' struggle to cross the border from Mexico into El Norte is a masterfully written YA novel with a boundless appeal. Thematically similar to "American Dirt," the dangers, sacrifices, and courage that defines Victor's journey moved this story at a heartfelt, breakneck pace. I don't know much about the facts surrounding "crossing the wire" into the States, but I do know these kinds of stories make me feel more compassionate, more open-minded, and more inspired. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be an incredible book to discuss in a classroom. So glad I finally read this after it sat on my shelf for years!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic Fiction
Grades 6-10
A 2007 Américas Award Commended Title, a Notable Book for a Global Society (IRA) 2007, and a 2009 Rebecca Caudill nominee, Crossing the Wire is a representation of how an outsider can achieve near-insider authenticity through intense research and by approaching an issue from multiple perspectives. Hobbs tackles the controversial issue of illegal immigration, including US involvement in falling corn prices, crime on both sides of the border, and the notion of what it means to be human. The setting rings true to life, as do his characters, especially 15-year-old Victor Flores. Hobbs creates many multi-dimensional characters crossing the border for a variety of reasons and coming from a multitude of backgrounds, their desperation, hope, and bravery resonating. This story is so intensely vivid that I can see it changing the mind of some of my students, those who follow the ultra-conservative view that people should not even offer water to people trying to "cross the wire."

According to his website, Hobbs's research included his previous experiences working alongside migrant workers, research into the journeys of illegal immigrants, travels through the area, and interviewing his niece who had lived and worked in a mountain village in central Mexico.

[Dominic Bridda · Rating 3 out of 5]

My book’s name is Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs. In my book, this boy named Julio is in Mexico and can’t leave to go work in Silao, a city across the fence where many people work. His friend, Miguel, told him that he is going to America to work in Silao. Julio tells his mom that he is going to sneak over the wire to work there and come back after every few months, but is mom doesn’t want that because his dad got killed doing what Julio wants to do. He would’ve been taken over by smugglers, but that’s too expensive. The smugglers are people who you must pay to go across the fence to Silao.
This book is was decent, but I think it could have been better. What stood out was that it was in Mexico, and the boys were trying to get back and forth across the Mexico border to do work for their families. The positive part about this is that it shows how the people get better work for their families. Some negative things is that it can be deadly to cross the border, and it's not a pleasant thing.
I would recommend this book people who like to read fiction books and action adventure books.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title and Author: Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs

Throughout the book the main character Victor Flores runs into a lot of adventures on his quest to keep his family and himself alive for the sake of money. In the book Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs, Victor is a boy that lives in Mexico with his family and has been working by harvesting corn and getting paid which his family lives on, but free trade agents made corn worthless in Mexico. With some advice from his friend Rico who has money to cross the border with a coyote, he decides to go by himself. His only option left was to cross the border and to make money for his family in America. Through Victors adventure he met a inspirational man by the name of Miguel who showed him the way to get into Arizona and he taught Victor life lessons to persevere through hardest times. Victor by himself faces problems running from the police, running away from a smuggler, and even attempting to survive in the most worst conditions mother nature can throw at him.

[Aescobar1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing The Wire by Will Hobbs is a phenomenal and adventures book. The book is about a boy named Victor Flores and his friend Rico. They wanted to cross the border into America. On the way he meets some friends and learned lessons along the way. Also the book talks more about how Victor and his family are suffering because the economy is down in Mexico which causes him to go on adventure to go and save his family from losing their home. Victor goes through many obstacles even when times were tough.This book teaches about bravery and how never to give up. This book was a very interesting book because it's about how he goes through things and knowing that his family will be safe at the end that help him to never give up. If you enjoy learning about Mexican culture and like adventure,this book is for you.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fifteen year-old Victor must cross the border illegally, i.e. "cross the wire," from Mexico into the U.S. in order to raise money to send home to his mother and younger siblings. A major strength of this book is its realistic depiction of the myriad of dangers faced by illegals who attempt the treacherous border crossing into the U.S. This harsh, unrelenting view of the experiences of a Mexican immigrant may prompt middle-school readers to a deeper appreciation for how lucky they are to live a life of security and plenty. Although it's a close call, I prefer this book to Julia Alvarez's Return to Sender, another novel on the same topic.

[Jaxon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book. It was interesting and I personally thought that it may have been a bit too advanced for being (What I read it for) a 5th-6th grade summer read. Not like reading levels to hard or anything like that but just some chapters topics; smuggling drugs across the US-Mexico border, etc. I also felt I needed to know what happens to Victor at the end. There still seemed like a lot more needed to be found out. It left me majorly hanging. But the book was a good read and I am happy that I that I read it to better understand the troubles of trying to "cross the wire" illegally.

[Kylie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave Crossing the Wire five stars because this book is a exciting yet sad. It was about a boy crossing the border to the United States to earn money for his family. This book made you have feeling but also made you think about the stuff you have and what we shouldn’t take for granted. This book was thrilling and also made you think about your friends and what they would do. Crossing the Wire was very addicting and full of suspense.

[Breanna G · Rating 4 out of 5]

When i saw i had to read this book, i wasn't super excited, because i heard it was "a pretty good" book. I got into it and actually really liked it. It was a great story of a boy and the love he has for his family, enough to put himself into danger almost every day, to help them. It had parts that touched your heart and parts that kept you on the edge of your seat. I thought it was a really good book and recommend it.

[Dominic Couch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crossing the wire is a suspenseful novel about a fifteen year old boy name victor florez. He is from A small town and mexico and struggles to support his family. After the death of his father, his family struggled financially and had to grow corn and sell it for almost nothing. As time passed, victor decided he needed to cross the border to get money for his mother. After multiple tries, Victor battle with heat,cold, sharp rocks, and wilderness, he makes his final attempt to help his family.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. When I picked up this book I wasn't sure but my doubt ended right away. From page one I was on the edge of my seat. The values of faith, loyalty, and effort are all exercised in this book. This book put some insight into what life is like
on the other side of the border. Crossing the Wire was written very well and I would read it again.

[Kamryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crossing the wire is a very good book! It shows you how hard it was to cross the wire to get to the states. You learn what everyone had to get to so they could support their family. I never got bored when I was reading this book and I am very glad that my teacher encouraged us to read crossing the wire. I encourage if you have a chance to read this book to read it.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hobbs excells in writing survival adventure books. This one does not disappoint. Victor's first person account of "crossing the wire" to come to the U.S. in order to support his widowed mother and siblings personalizes a very relevant issue.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was sooo good and i dont even read books like this really. its about a victor flores who is trying to cross the border(illegaly) to send money to his family becuase their corn crop prices are going way down. his troubles are tear jerking and the people he meets are extrordianry(sp?)

[Matt R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It showed the other side of the reasons that the Mexican immigrants cross the border. I thought it was a great story about the young boy Victor Flores. I think you should read it.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book while traveling and was riveted! My son recommended it to me and I actually had to stay in the car because I didn't want to miss the ending. So real..this is one I will not forget for a long time.

[AnnaBelle W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book although the ending wasn't really my favorite. I recommend this book to anyone that likes realistic fiction with some action. (or the anyone that has to read this for English, like me)

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never really understood the illegal immigrant thing and all that until I read this book. Now it makes me think more about the past of people I just see on the street!

[Gavin Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel very much for Victor and have a lot more respect for illegal immigrants after reading this. It is one of the best action/adventure books I have ever read.

[Kiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this in order to get into honors English. But im glad i read it!! It was an amazing book. i loved that victor is going through crap for his family.

[Theron F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was great, wish he made a second book of this, enjoyable and doesn't get boring up until the last pages. A must read.

[Emma Thibodeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of liked the book, It was okay. It wasn't bad.

[Rico]

How Crossing The Wire connects to A Long Walk To Water

At the beginning of ALWTW Salva's village got attacked since his country (Sudan) is having a civil war.
From then Salva became a refugee and started going to camps trying to survive. Salva went from being abandoned by his group to becoming a leader of a group for thousands of kids. Salva has been through a lot. Victor the main character of crossing the wire story really relates to Salva's. Victor is from Mexico illegally crossed the borders of America and Mexico to go to America. The two main characters stories are connected because they are both traveling and somehow in a dangerous way. During Salva's journey, he had to go through rivers of crocodiles to finally getting food and hydrated after a long time. Salva's journey was dangerous and painful. What Victor did was also dangerous because he had to cross the wires illegally to go to America which made it very dangerous for him. Another connection is that Victor's dad died in America while working leaving Victor the man in the family. In Salva's case when Salva was the oldest in the group, he became the leader of the group basically serves the same purpose as Victor in his family.

In conclusion, I think Salva and Victor has a lot of connections from going through different dangerous things to being a leader.