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.
It's clear that Ernesto Cisneros' experience in being a teacher plays a big role in how this book is developed. Overall, I thought that this was a great middle grade novel. It's a great balance, but may read a little differently for adult readers. While this typically would have been a dangerous situation, Cisneros provides protection through Lalo, a friendly taxi driver. The scene in question happens when Efren makes his way to Tijuana. 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. 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'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. 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. With his father working overtime to acquire enough money to help get Ama back home, Efren quickly attempts to adjust to his new routine. 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.
She along with Efren's father work hard to provide for their family with limited income. CW: deportation of a parentĮfren Divded is a clear look at the experiences of many families when someone within the family is deported. This book is hard hitting, heartbreaking, but also hopeful and one that doesn't necessarily center around trauma. It was also awarded the Pura Belpre award this year so that further put it on my radar. I originally heard about Efren Divided in a workshop that I'm helping teach soon for work.
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