Efren Divided

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

When Efrén's mother is deported to Mexico, he takes on greater responsibilities at home, as his father gets a second job to try to get the money to bring Amá home. An Own Voices novel by a talented debut author, about family, friendship, and tearing down the walls being built between all of us. Now in paperback!

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

About the Author

Ernesto Cisneros was born and raised in Santa Ana, California, where he still teaches. 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 in 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 reflect that. Efrén Divided is his first book. You can visit him online at www.ernestocisneros.com.