94 pages 3 hours read

Ernesto Cisneros

Efrén Divided

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Efrén Divided, seventh grader Efrén Nava's life is turned upside down when his mother is deported to Mexico. While his father works extra jobs to raise money for her return, Efrén shoulders the responsibility of caring for his twin siblings and managing schoolwork. Determined to bring his mother back, Efrén undertakes a dangerous trip to deliver money in Tijuana, learning the harsh realities faced by immigrant families. Sensitive topics in this book include family separation and undocumented immigration.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros offers a poignant look at the struggles of undocumented families. Reviewers praise its heartfelt narrative and rich character development, noting that it effectively raises awareness about immigration issues. Some criticisms mention that the plot can be somewhat predictable, but overall, it’s lauded for its emotional depth and timely relevance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Efrén Divided?

Readers who enjoyed Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan or The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez will likely appreciate Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros. This novel appeals to middle-grade readers interested in stories about family, resilience, and navigating the challenges of immigration.

Recommended

Reading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

710L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Children's Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Immigration / Refugee

Social Justice

Arts / Culture

Themes

Relationships: Family

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Society: Politics & Government