Efrén Divided Hardcover – March 31, 2020

Exactly what was ordered.

There are no easy solutions to the problems in our country especially when people refuse to work together for good. It is only with stories like this we can hope for walls- those around the heart- to be brought down.

I am glad I've read Efren Divided, and the use of the Spanish language throughout the novel is verywell-done, helping bring the cultural elements of the story alive. I love Efren and his twin siblings, but there are several moments when the adult characters speak/behave in ways that seem too contrived, giving those scenes a "schmaltzy" feeling. The teacher, in particular, is not that believable, and although he is a kind, caring educator, his actions don't seem realistic, and the story loses a bit of its sharpness whenever he is involved. The novel really picks up at the end, and I commend the author for not trying to tie up all the loose ends and make everyone happy. I definitely will be buying a few copies for my 7th graders to read, and I congratulate the author on his "estreno!" Please write a sequel!

I’ve been teaching for over 25 years in a school district that is now over 70% Latino/Hispanic. When I started in the 1990s that segment of our population was less than 2%.I see so many of my students and their families in this story. I have helped them find lawyers, housing, and furniture. I have attended their quinceañeras, officiated their weddings, and visited maternity wards.Ernesto Cisneros has written an accurate and outstanding portrayal of the community that I am privileged to work alongside. I hope I have watered some seeds throughout my career.Thank you for this book. I hope Mr Cisneros’s children encourage him to write a sequel.

While I enjoyed reading the conflict involved around the Student President's election, I couldn't see how it could relate to the other issue involving Efren's mother. It's not clear either when Efren decided to betray his friend, what he wished to accomplish?Finally, the ending felt like it should have been the midpoint, and there are still two or three chapters more that disappeared.The problem, however, is only the structure. The narration of Efren's life as a student and his friendship with David is excellent. And the portraying reality around Mexican-American families made the book worth recommending.

I decided to read this book before my son did and boy was this book moving, was such an eye opener. Could really see and feel Efren’s story.

Efrén Divided will tear your heart out and then sew it up again. You will cry on one page and then smile in the next when you think of Mamá and La Chancla. Everyone should read this, no matter their age. It will make you angry and give you hope. I have students who will see themselves on the pages. I pray Diosito holds them in his arms.

This is a wonderful story that truly captures the struggle that many families of Dreamers face. I am a fifth grade teacher and am thinking this would make for a great read aloud. It addresses important issues of identity, family, and sacrifice. It's sure to spark important conversations and open readers' eyes.

Easy book to read - only took me a couple of days to finish it.A young persons view into the reality of deportation and separated families.@everydayreading Book Club Pick - June 2022