Belonging

Belonging is one of the central themes in "Breaking Through," as Francisco wanted very much to belong with his peers all throughout high school. Though he never went to extreme, harmful lengths to belong, he did modify his behavior and tailor to what his classmates were interested in, in order that he would feel a sense of belonging among his peers.

As a young boy, Francisco intentionally listened to his classmates when they talked among themselves; he wanted to know what they were into so he could figure out where he might be able to fit in. The reader should note that Francisco listened in on the boys' and girls' conversations, and he was much more into the girls' topics than the boys'. Francisco's decision to not discriminate between male and female interests is likely due to his being from another culture. In America, gender identities and interests...