"Reaching Out" is an autobiographical account of the hardships award-winning author Francisco Jimenez faced as a student at the University of Santa Clara. Francisco is conflicted about attending college and leaving his family behind at the Bonetti Ranch, a migrant farm workers community of rundown army barracks with no indoor plumbing or water. His family is struggling to survive as his father becomes disabled and unable to work. Francisco finds it hard at first to adapt to this different world he has entered. A world so removed from the poverty and prejudices he has encountered all his life. Francisco works several jobs and studies hard in order to succeed. Along the way, he meets many people who show him kindness and generosity. Written candidly, this book is a tribute to all first generation college kids and the people who help them.