Student Review: "Efren Divided," by Ernesto Cisneros

Efren lives in the U.S close to the border of Mexico. Efren's parents are here illegally from Mexico. When Ama (Efren's mom) gets deported, Efren's world gets turned up slide down. While his Apa (Efren's dad) works overtime day and night to get money to pay for his wife's safe return, Efren is now in charge of his very little twin siblings. Taking care of Max and Mia while worrying about his friendship with David, his best friend, is very stressful for him. His dad finds away to get money to Efren's mom across the border, but it requires Efren to go across and give it to her. After that scary experience, he expects his mom home the next day. He repairs his friendship with David and prepares for her return. Instead, she gets arrested trying to get out. I thought this book was well written, but not very uplifting.

Review by Elliana G.

This book was about a family who went through very hard times. The mom got deported and left her oldest son, Efren, to take care of his two youngest siblings. His little siblings, which were twin kindergartners, were hard to take care of. Efren's dad was working overtime and Efren lost his best friend for a while but became friends with him again. Efren's family was going through hard times but managed still to have hope. I really liked this book and I would definitely listen to this book again.

Review by Ester F.

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