The Circuit

   The circuit was not the book I was expecting it to be, but I did really enjoy it. At first i thought it was going to be your all too familiar story of an immigrant boy who comes to America with his family to find a better life. At first there are many hardships and obstacles, but in the end they get a break and eventually do live a better life. This book is not that typical story. Chapter after chapter we learn of the hardships of this boy growing up and trying to achieve the "American Dream." They come to America excited for the new possibilities but find themselves constantly struggling just to make ends meet. Each chapter was a different story of a different time in his life, they were not necessarily in chronological order. With each of these chapters though I found myself feeling as if I knew the character personally finding out what he loved, hated, and the trials of his life. From going to school where he understood no English, to his most prized penny collection, to the constant moving to find more work. Although many of us did not experience the kind of life he did growing up, I find myself able to relate to him in some way. You can't help but hope that someday him and his family will live the life they have always dreamed of.
   This is a book i would definitely consider using in my classroom. It can take on so many different angles. You can use it to make students understanding of the hardships some people face when coming to this country. The main character is most likely around their age, so it is someone that is relate able. Also I'm sure almost everyone in the classrooms family immigrated to America at some point, whether it be long ago or recently. This could be a chance for students to investigate their heritage. It would incorporate multicultural education and allow students to learn of their family history. Giving presentations in class of the things they learned. Some may even be able to interview family members as resources.