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stephtoriz's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I liked this book as an adult reading a YA book it was entertaining. It described some sad situations revolving around being an illegal immigrant and first gen child.
I like that the end didn’t have a resolution to his mom being deported because often that is the reality of these kinds of situations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation
Minor: Trafficking, Racism, and Abandonment
100_pages_hr's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Absolutely amazing middle grade novel about the trials of a seventh grade child of undocumented immigrants. I would recommend this as required reading for anyone that teaches or works with the immigrant population. A very realistic portrayal of their lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation and Racism
Minor: Confinement
shewritesinmargins's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation
Moderate: Racism
smallredboy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Cried multiple times. Really, really good book that shines a light on the struggles children of undocumented parents face.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia and Racism
abbie_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
I think this may have been my first middle-grade book ever and it made me cry twice so I think I’m safe in saying I will be checking out more MG books!
Efrén Divided is a beautiful (and heart-achingly sad) tale of family and strength. When Efrén’s Amá is deported, he must step in to take care of his little brother and sister while his Apá works tirelessly trying to raise the money to bring her back. I’ve obviously never been in this situation myself, but I though Ernesto Cisneros depicted it beautifully. I could feel Efrén’s fierce love for his brother and sister, even if they can be a handful at times. He’s just a 12-year-old boy trying his best and his best was incredible to watch 😭
I loved most of the secondary characters too, especially Jennifer, Efrén’s classmate at school. I wish there was more Jennifer in the story! The class president storyline did a great job of showing the importance of getting involved, helping people, and taking steps towards tangible change. A worthy lesson for everyone, not just kids! I wasn’t a huge fan of David though, but that might have been because the narrator voiced him like a 40-year-old man who smokes 50 a day 🥴
Really can’t recommend this one enough if you’re interested in trying some MG lit! It’s engaging and emotional, making kids aware of the devastating consequences of ICE raids on undocumented families.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
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