On Miguel’s 15th birthday, he looks for the practical gift his grandmother always leaves in his wooden crate but is disappointed to find nothing. He understands Abuelita loves him, but she is very poor. He wishes for a pair of jeans instead of the patched pants he wears to work at the rancho, but mostly Miguel wishes to be with his Papá, Domingo, who crossed la línea nearly seven years ago. Papá attended school through fourth grade, then saved money to buy books he read while working on Abuelo’s rancho. He named Miguel after his favorite authors and vowed that Miguel, unlike himself, would get a good education and a good job. Miguel finds a note from Papá saying it is time for Miguel to come and join him across the border. Miguel must contact Don Clemente for help. Miguel excitedly thinks this is the first day of his new life. Miguel is oblivious to his younger sister Elena’s burning desire to travel north.

Miguel enjoys soccer but was not good enough to make an advanced team. He often dreams of staying in Mexico and becoming a famous, wealthy soccer player and building a mansion for his family, but his dream always turns dark.