Dr. Francisco Jiménez, professor emeritus in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Santa Clara University, will discuss his autobiographical book “The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child” on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m. virtually with Hope College.
Jiménez will talk about his personal experiences of growing up in a family of immigrant migrant workers and explain how those experiences have informed his writing. The presentation, which will include an opportunity for audience discussion, is scheduled in conjunction with National Hispanic Heritage Month.
The public is invited to register to be a part of the livestreamed discussion by visiting the event's listing at calendar.hope.edu. Participation is free.
An author and educator, Francisco Jiménez emigrated with his family from Tlaquepaque, Mexico, to California, and as a child worked alongside his parents in the fields of California. He received his BA from Santa Clara University and an MA and Ph.D. in Latin American literature from Columbia University under a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. He has served on various professional boards and commissions, including the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (10 years, two as chair), California Council for the Humanities, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WASC), Santa Clara University Board of Trustees, and the Far West Lab for Educational Research and Development.
His four-book series — “The Circuit,” “Breaking Through,” “Reaching Out,” “Taking Hold” — has been included in the American Library Association Booklist's 50 Best Young Adult Books of All Time.
The presentation and discussion are sponsored by the college’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Hope’s Latino Student Organization. Copies of “The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child” are available for purchase at the Hope College Bookstore. Hope students can watch for a book giveaway sponsored by the event collaborators.
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.