The Crossing

by Gary Paulsen
CMSW, paperback, 114 pages

Manny Bustos is an orphan on the streets of Juarez. He hopes to get to America where he has heard there is food, shelter, and opportunity. Robert is an American soldier who has seen too much death and goes to Juarez to drink himself into oblivion. The two meet on three different occasions, and their lives are dramatically altered. Although we never find out if Manny makes it across the border for sure, the implication is obvious. This book is serious in tone and more contemplative than action-oriented (until the final scene).