Efrén Divided
on Goodreads (5,773)
What’s inside...
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. However, 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.
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Efrén Nava
Mia Nava
David
Max Nava
Ama
Apá
Discussion points
How did Efrén's responsibilities change throughout the book and how did this affect his relationships?
What does the title 'Efrén Divided' mean to you and how does it relate to the story?
In what ways did Efrén show courage and resilience facing his family's challenges?
How do Efrén's experiences help you understand the lives of people who may be different from you?
What would you do if you were in Efrén’s shoes and had to make tough choices for your family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider how Efrén must have felt during key moments in the book.
Highlight the importance of family, resilience, and hope by discussing Efrén's relationship with his family and friends.
Connect the story to real-world issues, discussing the challenges immigrant families might face and the value of community support.
Foster a deeper understanding by asking your child to think about what the story teaches us about kindness and perseverance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Efrén Divided explores the struggles faced by Efrén’s family when his mother is deported, showcasing the emotional and practical challenges involved. This helps children understand the difficulties faced by families in similar situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with peers who may be experiencing family separations or other difficult circumstances, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Efrén demonstrates resilience by taking on more responsibilities at home and caring for his younger siblings, all while navigating his own emotional turmoil.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of strength and perseverance during challenging times, encouraging them to remain hopeful and proactive when facing their own difficulties.
Example Lesson: The Value of Community Support
Explanation: The narrative highlights how Efrén’s community comes together to support his family. Friends and neighbors play crucial roles, emphasizing the importance of community assistance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting and accepting help from others in their community, which can lead to more harmonious social interactions and collective problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Cultural Identity and Pride
Explanation: Efrén Divided also addresses themes of cultural identity and the balancing act between embracing one’s heritage and adapting to new environments.
Real-World Application: This can help children from diverse backgrounds embrace their own cultures and identities, promoting self-esteem and a better understanding of cultural diversity in their communities.