Like I said above, the words in this story are powerful.

We see a similar issue with Efrén – although presented with fantastic opportunities, he can’t necessarily take them (and possibly elevate his family’s socio-economic status) because he has to stay home and take care of his siblings and family. I read this book after reading Invisible Women by Caroline Perez (review coming soon!) and it discusses how women have “invisible” burdens that can make it difficult for them to take opportunities, even if given to them.It was simply the story of a boy whose mother was deported, and what that experience meant to him and his family. This includes situations where both parents are deported, so the children, who are United States citizens, have to move as well or situations where half of a family lives in the United States and half of a family lives in Mexico. Along with sharing the different impacts this situation could have on a child and his family, we also see characters in different, but similar situations.Because if his mother does manage to make it back home, it can’t be common knowledge that she’s in the United States illegally. And he couldn’t tell any of his friends, teachers, and other family friends of the situation and rely on them for support. It also highlights how emotionally difficult it can be for a child in this situation – Efrén could no longer rely on his Amá for emotional support, because she was no longer in the country. For example, we see how distress at home can make it difficult to focus at school, even when school is important to a child. This book addresses so many aspects of the situation.The words and points brought up in this book are powerful and will stick with me for quite a while. The story drew me in and I finished listening to the audiobook in one sitting because I just couldn’t walk away.

Normally I’m not a fan of books that make me cry – but this book made me cry in a good way.

This story was well-written and touching.

He doesn’t fully understand the gravity and intricacies of the situation.

It was really interesting to see this story told from the eyes of a child.

Suddenly he needs to take care of his two younger siblings and keep a house together while his father takes on extra jobs to make ends meet and bring his mom back home.

Efrén is a junior high student who finds his life turned upside down when his mother is deported back to Mexico.

Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros