Efrén dividido / Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros, translated into Spanish by David Bowles, is a powerful middle-grade novel that explores family, identity, and resilience. Efrén Nava is a seventh grader whose life is upended when his mother, an undocumented immigrant, is suddenly deported to Mexico. As his father works two jobs, Efrén must care for his younger siblings and find the strength to keep his family together. Set in a bilingual, bicultural world, the story blends emotional depth with social relevance, making it a compelling resource for readers ages 8–12. Winner of the Pura Belpré Award, it’s a heartfelt dual-language book that fosters empathy and awareness.
Spanish Description: Efrén dividido / Efrén Divided de Ernesto Cisneros, traducida al español por David Bowles, es una conmovedora novela para jóvenes de entre 8 y 12 años que explora la familia, la identidad y la resiliencia. Efrén Nava, un estudiante de séptimo grado, ve su vida trastocada cuando su madre, una inmigrante indocumentada, es deportada repentinamente a México. Mientras su padre trabaja en dos empleos, Efrén debe cuidar de sus hermanos menores y encontrar la fuerza para mantener unida a su familia. Ambientada en un mundo bilingüe y bicultural, la historia combina profundidad emocional con relevancia social, convirtiéndola en un recurso cautivador para lectores de 8 a 12 años. Ganadora del Premio Pura Belpré, es una emotiva novela bilingüe que fomenta la empatía y la consciencia.
Author : Ernesto Cisneros
Author Nationality : United States
Type of Spanish : Translated
Reading Grade Level: 6th-8th
Genre: Fiction
Sub-Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Family, Immigration, Culture, Change, Community, Hispanic Heritage Month, Social Emotional, Social Issues
Lesson Plan Link:
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