by Ernesto Cisneros
Quill Tree Books
6/8/2021, paperback
SKU: 9780062881694
Winner of the Pura Belpré Award!
"We need books to break open our hearts, so that we might feel more deeply, so that we might be more human in these unkind times. This is a book doing work of the spirit in a time of darkness." --Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street
Efrén Nava's Amá is his Superwoman--or Soperwoman, named after the delicious Mexican sopes his mother often prepares. Both Amá and Apá work hard all day to provide for the family, making sure Efrén and his younger siblings Max and Mía feel safe and loved.
But Efrén worries about his parents; although he's American-born, his parents are undocumented. His worst nightmare comes true one day when Amá doesn't return from work and is deported across the border to Tijuana, México.
Now more than ever, Efrén must channel his inner Soperboy to help take care of and try to reunite his family.
A glossary of Spanish words is included in the back of the book.
Target age: 9 to 13
Reviews:
"In Efrén Divided, Cisneros tells the story of children grown up too quickly and families unfairly separated. Efrén's heartbreaking situation fills the reader with justified rage and empowering hope. This book is a call to not take the world as it is, but to fight for the world as it should be."--Adrianna Cuevas
"A golden door into crucial conversations we need to have in our classrooms about equity and human rights."--NoNieqa Ramos, Author of The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary and The Truth Is
"Efrén Divided can be counted among those books that will inspire young people to action, activism and change in their communities."-- e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Author, Filmmaker, NCO Co-Founder
"We need books to break open our hearts, so that we might feel more deeply, so that we might be more human in these unkind times. I felt the author was asking each of his readers to be more human, that we were being called to be our own heroes, just as the protagonist is being asked this. This is a book doing work of the spirit in a time of darkness."--Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street
About the Author:
Ernesto Cisneros was born and raised in Santa Ana, California, where he still teaches. Efrén Divided is his first book. He holds an English degree from the University of California, Irvine; a teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach; as well as a master of fine arts in creative writing from National University. As an author, he believes in providing today's youth with an honest depiction of characters with whom they can identify. The real world is filled with amazing people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. His work strives to ref lect that.