Cajas de Carton

Super Short Summary

Cajas de Carton by Francisco Jiménez is a collection of autobiographical short stories depicting Jimenez's childhood as a migrant laborer moving from one California town to another with his family. The narrative details their life in labor camps, the struggle for consistent education, and the hardships of constant migration. The family follows growing seasons, living in various makeshift accommodations and relying on a used car, "Carcachita," to transport their belongings. Significant life events, such as births and illnesses, punctuate their ongoing quest for stability and security while navigating the challenges of manual labor and integration into American society. The book contains instances of child labor, poverty, and encounters with immigration authorities.