Book · Middle Grade
Efrén Divided
a novel
Honors
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About the book
Seventh grader Efrén Nava lives in Southern California with his parents and his two five-year-old siblings, and his biggest worry is an upcoming school election. His mother makes everything at home feel full of love. Then she is picked up in an immigration raid and sent to Mexico, and Efrén's world splits in two. With his father working extra shifts to bring her home, Efrén takes charge of the twins, keeps up with school and tries to stay hopeful while missing his mother every day. This novel is tender and honest about what deportation does to one family, and it shows how friends and neighbors can show up in hard times. It suits readers about 8 to 12.
For parents
Ages 8–12 · Grades 3–7
Centers on a mother's deportation and a family's separation. A boy is chased by would-be robbers, and a minor character struggles with drinking. Language is very mild.
Content notes
- Mature themes
- Violence