“I had worked hard to make this journey to college even though it seemed improbable for so many years.” 

Being of working-class background and living in poor conditions for most of his life, Frank sees his path to attending college as an unlikely one. He has achieved it through hard work, diligent study, self-sacrifice, and the help of his family. More specifically, his younger brother Trampita has taken over Frank’s janitorial job in order for him to go to college, and Frank has become such an excellent student that he is awarded some scholarships. 

“Roberto and I had been inseparable ever since we were children living in El Rancho Blanco, a small village nestled on barren dry hills in the northern part of the state of Jalisco, Mexico.” 

Frank’s close relationship with his older brother Roberto (“Toto”) is central to the story. Growing up, they were great friends and performed farm chores together. After the family’s deportation, Roberto lived alone with Frank on the ranch for a time and cared for him “like a father” (2). After Roberto gets married and leaves home, Frank continues to visit him frequently. During his college years, Frank often visits with Roberto and his family before visiting home. Roberto acts as an intermediary between the family and Frank, conveying bad news to him (e.g., the ranch burning down). 

“Ever since he had hurt his back from doing stoop labor for many years and could no longer work in the fields, his temper had gotten worse.” 

The emotional and physical trauma suffered by Frank’s father casts a deep shadow over the book. Mr. Jiménez feels ashamed of his inability to support the family better.