Francisco Jiménez, Poet; Author; and Educator
In Conversation with Lalo Alcaraz, Nationally Syndicated Artist and Cartoonist

Born in Mexico in 1943, Jiménez spent much of his childhood moving around California with no permanent home or regular schooling. Against incredible odds he went on to earn a Ph.D. and become a professor at his alma mater, Santa Clara University.

At his family's urging he began working on a book about his childhood and in 1997 published The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child. Jiménez went on to publish three more books: Breaking Through, Reaching Out, and Taking Hold, all with Spanish translations. Widely read in schools, Jiménez’s books have given voice to families like his and introduced a generation of American children to the plight of migrant laborers in our country. In vivid language, Jiménez highlights the humanity and strength that exist in the face of poverty and discrimination.

Hear more about his amazing story as he receives this year's John Steinbeck award. The John Steinbeck Award is sanctioned by the Steinbeck estate and is offered by the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University.