East of Salinas

Gr 7 Up—Migrant workers are the backbone of California's agricultural industry. These seasonal or temporary workers tend to move when the work is done, either to the next job or in some cases back home until the next harvest. This documentary is a glimpse of what life is like for a migrant family, centering on third grader José and his teacher, Mr. Ramos. José's mother and stepfather work the lettuce fields in Salinas, and when the season is over, his stepfather follows work to Arizona, leaving the family in California. Funds are tight, and José and his family move so often because of the rent. Mr. Ramos helps out by taking José and his brother to school so they won't have to change schools in the middle of the year. (Their mother leaves for work at 3 a.m.) At one point, Mr. Ramos isn't able to locate the family—he grew up in a farm labor camp, and he does all he can to help his students and their families. The film offers a no-frills look at this way of life: the worries the parents have, their hopes for their children, and the kids' desire for a better life.