Pura Belpre winner: Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros
Summary
Efren looks up to his parents who work hard to provide for him and his younger siblings, Max and Mia. Although Efren and his siblings are American-born, he constantly worries about his parents who are undocumented. Then his greatest fear comes true when his mother is deported and sent across the border to Tijuana, Mexico. At this point, the burden lays heavily upon Efren to be strong for his younger siblings as his father takes on an extra job to earn the money necessary to help get his mother back in the United States. He also shoulders the responsibility of navigating through school as if things are normal while supporting his best friend's campaign to run for school president.
Justification
My justification for selecting this book is because it was the winner of Pura Belpre Medal Award in 2020, the Poppy Award in MG in 2021, two International Latino Book Award, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Award in 2021. This book was also reviewed favorably in Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal. Also, for the sake of maintaining a diverse-rich library collection, this book is needed in school libraries to educate students about the effects of what happens when deportation happens to those living in America undocumented.
Accurate Representation of Cultural Details
The best aspect of this book is its accurate representation of cultural details. The book contains many Spanish words and phrases with an accompanying glossary at the end. What the reader can gather from the book is that Efren's mother, often referred to as "Ama" is a symbol of love, strength and sacrifice. This could lead way to believe that many motherly figures or matriarchal figures in the Mexican culture are seen this way as well. What the reader can gather from Efren's father, often referred to as "Apa," is that he is a symbol of dedication, hard-work, and provision for his family. This could also lead way to believe that many fatherly figures or patriarchal figures in the Mexican culture are also seen to be this way. What the book also teaches is the emphasis on familial values within the Mexican culture.
Cultural Authenticity
The best purpose that this book serves is the fact that it provides an awareness about what Hispanic American students who have undocumented family members may be experiencing in their personal lives. Reading this book could possibly encourage other students to have more empathy and compassion and may even inspire them to become advocates for these peers.
Appropriateness of the Cover Illustration
The cover illustration shows a boy (Efren) walking on a sidewalk with his head down thoughtfully. In the reflection below him is a picture of him holding hands with a woman who appears to be his mother. This is a highly reflective illustration highlighting the plot and conflict of the story. It accurately depicts Efren basically living in a split world where he has to navigate life outside of his home as a typical middle school student while battling the turmoil that comes with having a mother being deported.
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