Efrén Divided is a Young Adult novel published by Ernesto Cisneros in 2020. The book is targeted toward a middle school readership that reflects the lives of its two protagonists. Isaac Castillo and Marco Honeymoon are just beginning middle school and soon find themselves dealing with the multiple pressures of maturation, complex familial relationships, and establishing a self-identity. What separates many of its potential readers from the experiences of Isaac and Marco is that the narrative becomes one that focuses on the specific difficulties associated with illegal immigrant experience. Ultimately, the story expands beyond the boundaries of childhood friendship to examine issues related to the politics of immigration and the reality of the threat of deportment breaking apart families.
Efrén Divided is the debut novel by Cisneros. The introductory volume to the story of the friendship between Isaac and Marco was overwhelmingly greeted with positive reviews and multiple accolades. Cisneros was awarded the 2021 Crystal Kite Award by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for the best children's book within the California/Hawaii region. The novel shared the Golden Poppy Award for best school for middle grade readers with Mañanaland, by Pam Muñoz. Efrén Divided also earned Cisneros the 2020 Pura Belpré Award honoring literary works which best illustrate the Latino experience for young readers.
The novel made its way onto multiple lists recognizing the best books of the year. The highly respected Kirkus Review named the novel one of the Best Books of 2020. In addition, Efrén Divided was recognized as being among the best books of the year by the Chicago Public Library, the New York Public Library, National Public Radio, and the School Library Journal.
In 2022, Cisneros followed up Efrén Divided with a sequel. Falling Short continues the story of the closed friendship between Isaac and Marcos as they continue to navigate middle school. Unlike the book which introduces them, the sequel is less directly political in its treatment of their immigrant heritage as it focuses more on the significance of sports and athletics to young boys at this time of life.
