EFREN DIVIDED

An Own Voices debut novel about family, friendship, and tearing down the walls being built between all of us. When Efren's mother is deported to Mexico, he takes on greater responsibilities at home while also dealing with a contentious school election, as his father gets a second job to try and get the money to bring Mom home.

Efrén Nava's Amá is his Superwoman - or Soperwoman, named after the delicious Mexican sopes his mother often prepares for the family. Both Amá and Apá work hard all day to provide for the family, making sure Efrén and his younger siblings, Max and Mía, feel safe and loved.

But Efrén worries about his parents; although he's American-born, his parents are undocumented. And according to the neighborhood talk, or local chisme, families like his are in great danger. Sure enough, Efren's worst nightmare comes true one day when Amá doesn't return from work and is deported across the border to Tijuana, México. Now it's up to Efren to be brave and figure out how to act soper himself.

While Apá takes an extra job to earn the money needed to get her back, Efrén struggles to look after Max and Mía, also dealing with schoolwork, his best friend's probably-doomed campaign for class president, and his fears about what might happen to his family next. When disaster strikes, Efrén is faced with crossing the border alone to see Amá. More than ever, he must channel his inner Soperboy, to help keep his family together.

Ernesto Cisneros was born and raised in Santa Ana, California, where he still teaches. He holds an English degree from the University of California, Irvine; a teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach; as well as a Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Writing from National University. As an author, he believes in providing today's youth with an honest depiction of characters with whom they can identify. The real world is filled with amazing people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. His work strives to reflect that. Efrén Divided is his first book.