Efren Divided Chapter 6 by Ernesto Cisneros Read aloud

Summary

In this heartfelt script, Efren's routine is upended when he's tasked with caring for his younger siblings, Max and Mia, in the absence of their mother. The story unfolds as Efren juggles school, household duties, and the emotional well-being of the twins, all while grappling with the truth about their mother's whereabouts. Amidst the challenges, Efren's resourcefulness and the bond between the siblings shine through, highlighting the resilience of a family facing adversity.

Takeaways

• 🛌 Efren cherishes Saturday mornings for the extra sleep and special breakfast.
• 📚 Saturdays are also a time for Efren to catch up on his studies and enjoy leisurely reading.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 This particular weekend, Efren is working overtime to keep Max and Mia busy, likely due to their mother's absence.
• 👶 Max is resistant to getting dressed and requires Efren's creative persuasion to cooperate.
• 🏫 Efren is late for school on Monday, facing consequences from Mr. Garrett, the school authority.
• 🤔 Efren is struggling to balance his responsibilities at home and school due to his mother's absence.
• 🗣️ Efren is hesitant to share the truth about his family's situation with his teacher, Mr. Garrett.
• 🏠 There's a sense of community and familiarity in Efren's neighborhood, with various blocks representing different socioeconomic statuses.
• 👩‍🏫 Miss Solomon, a caring figure from Efren's past, is unaware of the family's current predicament.
• 🍴 Efren is resourceful, managing to feed himself and his siblings on a tight budget.
• 🤝 Efren makes a pinky promise to Mia and Max, indicating his commitment to their mother's return.

Q & A

What makes Saturday mornings special for Efren?

Saturday mornings are special for Efren because he can sleep in a bit longer, expect a freshly baked bolillo loaf, and spend time in his study or bathtub without interruptions.

How does Efren's weekend differ from the usual?

Efren's weekend is different because he spends every moment ensuring Max and Mia stay busy so they won't miss their mother, involving lots of activities like horsey rides, playing on swing sets, and coloring.

Why is getting Max dressed proving difficult for Efren on Monday morning?

Getting Max dressed is difficult because Max is resisting and playing tricks, such as putting his arms through the pant legs instead of the waist, making the process more challenging for Efren.

What does Efren promise Max to convince him to get dressed?

Efren promises Max a horsey ride all the way to school if he gets dressed.

Why does Efren allow Max and Mia to go to school in their pajamas?

Efren allows Max and Mia to go to school in their pajamas because he is more concerned about their emotional state and keeping them happy than adhering to school dress codes.

What is the reason for Efren's tardiness to school on Monday?

Efren is late to school because he had to deal with Max's resistance to getting dressed and preparing for school.

Why does Efren choose to mark his tardiness as 'unexcused'?

Efren marks his tardiness as 'unexcused' because he believes that Mr. Garrett would not accept his real reasons and that the truth about his family's situation is something he cannot reveal.

What is the consequence of Efren's second infraction of being late to school?

The consequence of Efren's second infraction is that he receives detention after school.

Why can't Efren stay for detention after school?

Efren cannot stay for detention because he is responsible for picking up Max and Mia, and there is no one else available to do so.

What does Efren do to stretch his money while buying food from Don Popatillo's food truck?

Efren buys carne asada tacos, which are a good bargain because they come with double tortillas, allowing him to turn each taco into two servings, thus feeding himself and the twins with minimal cost.

How does Efren handle the twins' questions about their mother's absence?

Efren lies to the twins, telling them that their mother is with their sick sister Tia Martha and will be back soon, in order to protect them from the truth and keep them calm.