Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Winner of the Pura Belpr 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

Efr n Nava's Am is his Superwoman--or Soperwoman, named after the delicious Mexican sopes his mother often prepares. Both Am and Ap work hard all day to provide for the family, making sure Efr n and his younger siblings Max and M a feel safe and loved.

But Efr n worries about his parents; although he's American-born, his parents are undocumented. His worst nightmare comes true one day when Am doesn't return from work and is deported across the border to Tijuana, M xico.

Now more than ever, Efr n 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.

Ernesto Cisneros was born and raised in Santa Ana, California, where he still teaches. Efrü¾Ž–”¼n Divided is his first book. He holds an English degree from the University of California, Irvine; a teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach; as well as a master of 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 ref lect that. You can visit him online at www.ernestocisneros.com.