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Efren Divided

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Efren Divided is a not-to-be-missed debut middle grade novel for readers who love Front Desk or Merci Suarez Changes Gears--or for anyone working toward a more loving world--about family, friendship, and tearing down the walls being built between us.

Efren Nava's Ama is his Superwoman--or Soperwoman, named after the delicious Mexican sopes his mother often prepares. Both Ama and Apa work hard all day to provide for the family, making sure Efren and his younger siblings Max and Mia feel safe and loved.

But Efren worries about his parents; although he's American-born, his parents are undocumented. His worst nightmare comes true one day when Ama doesn't return from work and is deported across the border to Tijuana, Mexico.

Now more than ever, Efren must channel his inner Soperboy to help take care of and try to reunite his family.

Audio CD

First published March 31, 2020

About the author

Ernesto Cisneros

5 books222 followers
Ernesto Cisneros is a veteran English teacher currently serving the colorful city of Santa Ana, California. He holds an English degree from the University of California, Irvine; a teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach; as well as a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from National University.

Whenever his knees will allow it, he enjoys playing basketball, running, and swimming. He likes to read contemporary books with realistic characters and meaningful storylines full of heart. He is an avid music and ketchup lover, and he still follows the Lakers—even post Kobe.

As a writer, he believes in providing today’s youth with honest depictions of characters with whom they can identify. He believes the real world is filled with amazing people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. His work strives to reflect and bring those stories to life. He latest book, EFRÉN DIVIDED is scheduled for release in 2020 by Harpercollins.

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5 stars
2,538 (44%)
4 stars
2,321 (41%)
3 stars
679 (12%)
2 stars
81 (1%)
1 star
25 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 979 reviews
Profile Image for Ernesto Cisneros.
Author 5 books222 followers
January 12, 2024
This review is actually from my daughter, who loves to read MG books.

She says, "It's the best book I've ever read, and I've read just about everything out there. I could actually feel like I was inside the pages. I loved every page."

I wrote the book for her... so she could see that people of color, people of Mexican descent, are worth writing and reading about. I wanted her to see her world depicted in a book.

Hope you connect with this story too.
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
2,793 reviews6,017 followers
February 16, 2021
I originally heard about Efren Divided in a workshop that I'm helping teach soon for work. It was also awarded the Pura Belpre award this year so that further put it on my radar. This book is hard hitting, heartbreaking, but also hopeful and one that doesn't necessarily center around trauma. CW: deportation of a parent

Efren Divded is a clear look at the experiences of many families when someone within the family is deported. Efren's Ama is the center of his world. She along with Efren's father work hard to provide for their family with limited income. During an ICE raid, Ama is taken and deported and it's Efren's job to work towards keeping his brother and his sister in as normal of a routine as possible. With his father working overtime to acquire enough money to help get Ama back home, Efren quickly attempts to adjust to his new routine. While this book heavily deals with Efren and his father's attempt to get Ama home, it does a great job building supportive side characters that serve as Efren's friends. There's David who is Efren's best friend and then Jennifer who isn't necessarily Efren's best friend at first, but they have similar experiences as both of their parents are undocumented immigrants. There is a slight conflict between these characters; however, they support and care for each and that adds a nice element to the book especially when Efren gets overwhelmed. There is a scene that, as an adult reader, comes off as a bit unrealistic; however, I do understand that I'm not the target audience and that its meant to bring a sense of hope to the intended audiences. The scene in question happens when Efren makes his way to Tijuana. While this typically would have been a dangerous situation, Cisneros provides protection through Lalo, a friendly taxi driver. It's a great balance, but may read a little differently for adult readers.

Overall, I thought that this was a great middle grade novel. It's clear that Ernesto Cisneros' experience in being a teacher plays a big role in how this book is developed. The heart-warming and caring nature of the teachers shines through and they played a huge role in maintaining the safety and welfare of their students. I wouldn't say that the book ends perfectly; it ends realistically and as much as I thought it was going to disappoint me I'm glad that Cisneros made that decision. It is a book that was specifically designed to help children and teens who are going through this same situation feel seen. It isn’t meant to appease to my wants or needs. I definitely recommend this book and I look forward to seeing what else Cisneros will write in the future.
Profile Image for Rachel  L.
2,022 reviews2,447 followers
December 28, 2021
This was such a wonderful and special book, I want every middle grader (and adult) I know to read it immediately. We hear a lot about this subject online and in the news, but rarely from the point of view of someone who is living it. I am so glad I read this book and will be recommending it frequently.
Profile Image for may ➹.
516 reviews2,415 followers
May 30, 2021
Definitely got a few tears out of me! A realistic yet hopeful story about the heartbreaking truths of immigration and deportation in the US. I also really enjoyed the emphasis on family, and the sad reality of kids having to grow up much too fast as a result of fear and desperation. I didn’t care much for a particular friendship (found it funny that the white boy wanted to prove himself just because he was the only white boy in a brown Latine neighborhood) and I think pacing could have been done a tiny bit better—especially for so short a book!—but well-written overall and very emotional to read.

:: representation :: Mexican American MC and characters

:: content warnings :: deportation, racism, ICE raids (off-page), separation from parent, immigration
Profile Image for Christy.
4,233 reviews35.1k followers
November 26, 2022
4.25 stars

Ugh this book hit me right in the feels. I cried more than once while listening. It was so interesting to read about this topic from the eyes of a child. It’s definitely something I would recommend to not only younger people, but all readers.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4.25 stars
Narrators: Anthony Rey Perez
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Middle Grade
Length: 4h 32m



Profile Image for Karina.
950 reviews
November 19, 2023
Using only six dollars, he turned three carne asada tacos into six and still managed to provide Mia the side of beans and cheese she wanted. If only he could find a way of getting Ama back home. (PG 79)

I know the author was trying to tell a story and this was his debut but kids and adults that don't know any different will believe what the story says. Even in fiction the author has a job to state facts and knowledge of the law in whatever they are talking about because someone will come across this and question everything the author is trying to do.

It is a YA and I found many parts sad, like a kid trying to raise his younger siblings because his mom gets deported and being hungry when there is no excuse for that in such a wealthy country like United States.

Aside from this, I live and grew up in California. I came illegally from illegal parents so it's not like I'm talking out of criticism. I live near where the author lives as stated in his bio. So unless you're convicted of a crime you cannot get deported. California, especially the city of Santa Ana, is a sanctuary state that will prevent ICE from deporting illegal immigrants. So this is where the non facts starts to bug me.

Also, imagine an immigrant kid reading this and living in CA and suddenly being afraid for their families or themselves. This should not be the case. Find a state where they actually do this to people and make it believable, please....

I wish the author luck on his next book and I hope he verifies his information on the next novel. This was okay and a fast read.
Profile Image for CW ✨.
720 reviews1,805 followers
October 5, 2020
This book literally made me cry, made my heart ache, and made me hold my breath in anticipation and fear. Efrén Divided tackles how deportation tears families apart, its impact on families - and especially young eldest siblings.

- Follows Efrén, a Mexican-American boy whose Amá is deported during an ICE raid. With his family now torn apart, Efrén now has to shoulder the responsibility of looking after his two younger siblings, who are too young to understand what is going on, while his father takes on another job so their family can be reunited.
- I think this book offers a very meaningful and genuine portrayal of the impact of deportation on families and young children.
- Moreover, it tells Efrén's story without victimising Efrén, nor is it a 'pain narrative'; Efrén has plenty of agency and is absolutely doing his best in the worst of circumstances, and it's a story that many kids will relate to and will need to see on a page.
- There are so many heartfelt and tender moments, but also so many sad and devastating moments. I cried, a lot.

Trigger/content warning:
Profile Image for Ms. B.
3,535 reviews60 followers
August 30, 2023
6/3/23 What would it be like to be separated from your mother? What if your parents were from another country and sent back? What if you had to raise your siblings on your own? What dangers would you face if you attempted to bring your loved one back home, would it be worth it? Find out fifth grader Efrén's answers in this story that was written for the children whose own story is this reality. In addition to educators and those who work with our youth, anyone who found Free Lunch to be meaningful should read this.
0/29/21 When Efrén's mother is deported, he finds an inner-strength that he didn't know he had. A powerful debut by an #ownvoices author.
Profile Image for Abby Johnson.
3,373 reviews342 followers
Read
April 16, 2020
Wow, this is a much-needed book and deserves a spot on all library shelves. Not only is this a book that will spark discussion about current events and immigration policy, but it's a great story with a character that you will root for. Hand to fans of Front Desk by Kelly Yang and Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed.
Profile Image for Christy.
680 reviews
March 5, 2021
Middle Grade March book two! This was very good and I think it would be a wonderful book for kids in this age group, and adults too. Efren is a great character... I just adored him.
Author 8 books161 followers
October 22, 2019
Give us your Amas, your Soperwomen, your mothers of might, exemplars of creativity, resilience, and self reliance. Give us your Apas, your indefatigable fathers, exemplars of selflessness and perseverance. Give us your Effrens, your golden children of endless potential, the embodiment of the American dream. This book is a lamp illuminating where we fail and where we can succeed and overcome, a torch of protest against injustice, and a golden door into crucial conversations we need to have in our classrooms about equity and human rights.
Profile Image for Kathie.
Author 2 books76 followers
December 13, 2019
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.

Wow. This in a timely and incredibly powerful book that highlights what it's like for a young boy to live in the US with undocumented parents from Mexico. It's a must read for 2020, and such an important book to have in classroom and public libraries because it a perspective not often seen middle grade fiction.

Efrén’s family life is turned upside down when his mother is deported. His father is working incredibly long hours to find the money to help get her back, and Efrén is left in charge of his younger siblings and managing the household. He's overwhelmed, worried, doesn't know who he can trust, and experiences an emotional roller coaster as different attempts are made to get Ama back to them.

I have no doubt that are many kids in the United States who will be able to relate to Efrén’s situation. I sincerely hope they will find this story and know that they are not alone. For those of us who live in other countries, it's an eye-opening, thought-provoking, and illuminating book that helps shift the perspective from which we often see this topic in the media. I will definitely be purchasing it for my library's collection and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for steph .
1,297 reviews79 followers
July 6, 2020
I cried.

Seriously. Those last few chapters - I cried.

Oh this book HURT but the message and theme is needed for today's world and today's families. Parents get deported and their U.S. born children are left to deal with the (many) repercussions from that. Efrén is such a loving and sensitive soul and seeing him hurt and upset about his Amá made me hurt and upset. His interactions with his younger siblings and his best friend David as well as his Amá and Apá was well done. This is a boy whose family doesn't have much but they have each other. I don't know what else to say in this review except more people should read this middle school novel. It's filled to the brim with love and hope even when Efrén feels he has nothing left anymore.

((Also is there anyway to update the blurb here on Goodreads? Because it sounds like the brief soundbite of a child's reading assignment which is a really bad reflection of this incredible book. They could just copy and paste the synopsis from Amazon. Anything would be better then the two lines they have currently)) FIXED. Thank you Cathy!
Profile Image for Shaye Miller.
1,236 reviews93 followers
April 22, 2020
Raw and gripping. Seventh-grader Efrén Nava has his hands full when his mother is suddenly deported. She always made sure everyone looked their best (always bathed, having perfectly pressed clothing, etc.). So the entire family is suddenly in limbo and struggling to survive while figuring out how to be reunited. Efrén's best friend, David, is running for office at his school, but so is their classmate, Jennifer. And Efrén is faced with the fact that Jennifer will make a great leader because she's organized and passionate about important real issues. Does he stick by his best friend or support who will be the best leader? In the meantime, Efrén's father raised the money needed to transport his mother back. But the journey through Tijuana, to get Efrén's mom the money, will be incredibly dangerous. Will all this be worth it in the end? I mean, after all, their country is more concerned with eggs being cage-free than they are people being cage-free.

This is a very emotional read, but important for developing empathy -- both a mirror and a window. Ernesto Cisneros shares, on Goodreads, that he wrote this book for his daughter: "...so she could see that people of color, people of Mexican descent, are worth writing and reading about. I wanted her to see her world depicted in a book."

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!!
Profile Image for Destinee.
1,704 reviews173 followers
September 4, 2020
Heartbreaking, timely, compelling. Recommended for all kids.

I appreciated this book but didn’t love it. The dialogue struck me as a little corny at times, especially David’s. Overall, this felt like a book written to deliver a message, but an important and good one. The story had no villains except our broken immigration system.

I can’t decide if the ending was perfect or terrible. It will definitely spark discussion and hopefully research. Tragically realistic but the author attempts to instill hope in young readers.
Profile Image for Denise Deegan.
Author 22 books124 followers
July 13, 2018
This isn’t just a great book, it’s an important one. At a time when families are being divided and deported, we need to hear the voice of the oppressed. When his mother disappears and his worst nightmare comes true, Efren puts on a brave face as he struggles to look after his young brother and sister and find a way to get his Ama home. It was an honor to read this story of courage in the face of injustice.
Profile Image for David.
Author 95 books1,162 followers
October 1, 2019
Efren Divided is a stunning, masterful, and timely debut. Cisneros balances both the despair of a family torn apart by US immigration policies and the loving determination of a boy to bridge the divide. Firmly rooted in nepantla, the liminal space of all border folk, young Efrén rises to every challenge, discovering within himself and his community the magic to make a milagro.
Profile Image for Amy | Foxy Blogs.
1,681 reviews1,034 followers
November 25, 2022
Middle-grade genre does a good job of tackling tough subject matters.

Efren and his siblings are American-born and their parents are undocumented. The fear of his parents being deported becomes a reality for one of them.

The journey this family goes through is an emotional one.

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Anthony Rey Perez
Length: 4H 32M
Profile Image for Ris Sasaki.
1,153 reviews185 followers
July 20, 2021
3.5 ⭐

Middle grade just feels superior to any other genre right now to be honest.
All through adult and YA NOTHING was good enough, but it takes me 1 middle grade for my love of reading to resurface again and here we are.

This is a really important and touching book. I liked the way that it was structured and written, but it just left me with the feeling of wanting more.
More pages, more emotional gripping, less predictability.

The beginning was really strong, but as the story progressed it just seemed like some things were resolved too quickly and the plot turned out to be too predictable to the point that I lost some kind of emotional connection to a story that is terribly sad.

Overall, this is a really good book that just left me with the taste of wanting more from it.
3 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2020
I loved this mid-grade book. It's both heart-wrenching and heart-warming. Efren lives with his tight-knit family, until their lives are shattered when his mom gets deported. Reading about his struggles was enlightening and helped me build a deeper understanding of their experience.
Profile Image for Kim Bahr.
642 reviews6 followers
July 23, 2020
Great story reminding us to not be “nearsighted sometimes. We forget that kids can have problems too.” Love the quotes on P. 113 & 116; very appropriate for today’s times.
123 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2023
A young adult story of the plight of a family like any other family, with parents trying their best to make a good life for their kids, working hard and contributing to their neighborhood and to society. The difference is that Efren’s parents are in the United States illegally. When his mom gets deported, his life gets upended as his dad takes another job which forces Efren to be the caretaker for his siblings.
A theme of the story: the power of family and friends, as well as the importance of “the helpers”, especially teachers, are sure to resonate with preteen readers and help them see into the life of being a legal US citizen living in fear of family being sent back to their home country.
Profile Image for Beth Given.
1,381 reviews47 followers
June 15, 2022
Efrén may not have a big house -- he has to read in the bathtub, the only place for quiet and privacy -- but he loves his family. His hardworking, loving parents are like superheroes, and his mischievous younger siblings -- twins -- adore their big brother. But then his mother, an undocumented immigrant, is picked up by ICE and deported. Efrén realizes he must find his own inner strength as more responsibility falls on his shoulders -- and he has to learn to trust his friends and teachers to lift and support him, as well.

I really enjoyed this middle grade novel. The characters are all so likable, and I appreciated the opportunity to consider what life might be like for children of undocumented immigrants. I loved that Efrén finds comfort in books. This book was definitely worth my time.

Slight spoiler: the ending does not tie everything up nicely. It's a more realistic ending that leaves some things ambiguous or unresolved. That surprised me (since this is a children's book), but in a good way.
Profile Image for Acordul Fin.
491 reviews166 followers
December 30, 2022
“They tried to bury us . . . but they didn’t know we were seeds?”
This was a beautifully written touching story about Efrén who is faced with one of the most horrific events one can experience as a child- being separated from a parent because of deportation. Efren's life falls apart when he comes back home to find his mother gone one day because ICE has detained and deported her. The anxiety of not knowing exactly where she is and if she will ever come back, is increased by having to assume responsibility for both himself and his younger siblings as their father is always working, to be able to keep the family afloat. This is probably something too many children have been going through, especially in the last few years, and it's heartbreaking.
166 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2022
Political brain-washing. As a child of an immigrant I did not appreciate this story-line. All countries have border-entry laws. I’ve visited countries that will shoot you on sight for crossing illegally. This child’s stress isn’t caused by ICE / it’s caused by his parents’ illegal activity. And that’s just the subject matter. This book is poorly written. It drones on and on through random thoughts and the author repeats himself. Quotes from social media memes are used by characters.
August 18, 2020
From the opening pages I found myself completely immersed in a world so different from mine, yet just a neighborhood away. Ernesto Cisneros has the ability to pull me into another culture, where from the beginning I care about these characters deeply. A compelling read. I'll never hear a low flying police helicopter in the same way again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 979 reviews

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