logo

84 pages 2 hours read

Crossing the Wire

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Will Hobbs

Crossing the Wire

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

U.S.-Mexico border • Contemporary

Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

670L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs tells the story of Victor Flores, a Mexican teenager who leaves his village to illegally cross the border into the United States to support his family after free trade agreements make their farming income unsustainable. Facing numerous challenges and dangers, he navigates through various encounters and hardships, striving to achieve his ultimate goal. Descriptions of violence and illegal activity are included.

Adventurous

Suspenseful

Emotional

Challenging

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

2,998 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Will Hobbs' Crossing the Wire garners praise for its gripping and poignant portrayal of a young boy's perilous journey across the U.S.-Mexico border. Readers appreciate the well-researched narrative and emotional depth. Some critique its predictability and occasional pacing issues, but overall, it remains a powerful story of resilience and hope.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Crossing the Wire?

Readers who would enjoy Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs are typically young adults interested in contemporary issues and thrilling adventures. They should appreciate tales of resilience and survival akin to Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan or La Línea by Ann Jaramillo. Fans of immigrant narratives and socio-political themes will find it compelling.

4.2

2,998 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Victor Flores

A Mexican teenager known for his cautious nature, who embarks on a journey to the U.S. to find work and support his family after their corn crop fails.

Victor’s childhood best friend who is quick to make decisions and dreams of an exciting life in the U.S., but faces a reality check about the importance of family.

An experienced border crosser who acts as a mentor to Victor, sharing wisdom and guidance throughout their journey to the U.S.

A former gang member turned pollero, who symbolizes the corruption of drug smuggling and tempts the boys with illegal opportunities.

A kind man who studies jaguars and helps Victor and Rico on their journey, representing a stroke of good fortune in their travels.

A Honduran teenager Victor meets on the train, who helps him evade police and offers a mix of cautiousness and action as they navigate their crossing.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

U.S.-Mexico border • Contemporary

Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

670L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.