Efrain's Secret
on Goodreads (114)
What’s inside...
Ambitious high school senior Efrain Rodriguez dreams of escaping the South Bronx for an Ivy League college like Harvard or Yale. But how is his family going to afford to pay for a prestigious university when Moms has to work insane hours to put food on the table as it is? And Efrain wouldn’t dare ask that good-for-nothing father of his who has traded his family in for younger models. Left with few options, Efrain chooses to do something he never thought he would. He embarks on a double life—honor student by day, drug peddler at night—convinced that by temporarily capitulating to society’s negative expectations of a boy like him, he can eventually defy them. Sofia Quintero makes a stunning debut writing for young adults with this gritty, complex, and real exploration of the life of an urban teen whose attempt to leave one world behind for a better one could cost him everything.
Age
13-14
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Efrain Rodriguez
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Efrain to make the choices he did?
How do you feel about the way Efrain handled his challenges?
What would you have done differently if you were in Efrain’s situation?
How do the relationships in the book compare to those in your own life?
What do you think the main message of the story is?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the book, affirming that all views are valid.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s everyday experiences to foster a deeper understanding.
Pose hypothetical situations inspired by the book to help your child consider different perspectives and solutions.
Discuss the consequences of Efrain's actions and encourage your child to think about other possible outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Efrain's Secret', the protagonist faces consequences after choosing to keep secrets and tell lies to achieve his goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn that honesty is crucial in maintaining trust and respect in relationships, both at home and in school.
Example Lesson: The value of hard work
Explanation: Efrain works diligently towards his academic ambitions, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication are essential for success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to apply themselves in their studies and personal projects, understanding that effort leads to achievement.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, Efrain makes several decisions, each with its own set of consequences, portraying the complexity of choices and their impacts.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the potential outcomes of their decisions and to think critically about the choices they make every day.
Example Lesson: Seeking help when needed
Explanation: Efrain struggles alone with his challenges initially, but learns to seek help from others, illustrating the strength in vulnerability and asking for support.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of asking for help from parents, teachers, or friends when they’re facing difficulties.