Efren Divided chapter 10 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Summary

In this poignant narrative, Efren grapples with the harsh realities of life and the complexities of family, friendship, and responsibility. The story unfolds as Efren, a young man with a heavy heart, is nudged by his father, APA, to confront the day despite the dark circles under his armpit—a symbol of the burdens he carries. APA's tireless efforts to raise money to bring back Amma, their mother, inspire Efren to take action and seek solutions to his own problems. The plot thickens when Efren learns that Jennifer, a fellow student and friend, has been deported, which triggers a profound sense of injustice and motivates him to run for ASB president to raise awareness about the plight of immigrants. This decision, however, strains his friendship with David, who feels betrayed. Amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerges when APA secures the funds needed to bring Amma home, offering a moment of respite and joy to the family. The story is a powerful exploration of resilience, the immigrant experience, and the transformative power of community and solidarity.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👦 Efren is a caring figure, showing concern for his younger siblings Max and Mia, as well as his friend Jennifer.
• 🛁 Efren is found asleep in the bathtub, indicating the stress and exhaustion he is experiencing.
• 💼 APA is working overtime to raise money to bring back Amma, showing the family's dedication and the sacrifices they are making.
• 📚 Efren is determined to solve his problems and decides to confide in his friend David, highlighting the importance of their friendship.
• 🏫 Efren arrives early at school with the intention of speaking to David, but learns that Jennifer has dropped out of the race and school.
• 😢 Jennifer's deportation deeply affects Efren and Han, revealing the personal impact of immigration enforcement on their community.
• 🌱 Jennifer's message about being seeds, not buried, inspires Efren to take action and run for ASB president in her place.
• 🏛 Efren's decision to run for ASB president leads to a falling out with David, showing the complexity of personal choices and their impact on relationships.
• 👕 At the laundromat, Efren's encounter with David further strains their friendship, leading to a heated exchange and David's departure.
• 📈 Efren's research into detention centers for kids exposes the harsh realities that children face, which deeply upsets him.
• 👪 APA's good news about joining a 'kundina' (a rotating savings and credit association) brings hope and relief to the family's financial situation.
• 🌈 Despite the challenges, Efren, APA, Max, and Mia enjoy a moment of happiness at the playground, symbolizing the importance of family and resilience.

Q & A

Why did Efren feel the need to take a shower?

Efren felt the need to take a shower because he had a dark circle on his armpit, which he felt was unprofessional for going to work at A la Pesto.

Why did Efren fall asleep in the bathtub?

Efren fell asleep in the bathtub because he was reading and became tired, which led to him accidentally dozing off.

What was the surprise that Efren and APA discovered about each other?

The surprise was that APA still had the strength to lift Efren out of the bathtub, and Efren was surprised that APA could still do so despite his age.

Why did Efren decide to run for ASB president?

Efren decided to run for ASB president to bring attention to the issue of deportation and to continue the fight that Jennifer, who was deported, started.

What was the impact of Jennifer's deportation on Efren?

Jennifer's deportation deeply affected Efren, making him realize the harsh realities of deportation and motivating him to take action by running for ASB president.

What was the reaction of David when he found out Efren was running for ASB president?

David felt betrayed and hurt, accusing Efren of stabbing him in the back, and claimed that he didn't need Efren's friendship to win the election.

Why did Efren feel conflicted about running for ASB president?

Efren felt conflicted because he valued his friendship with David and didn't want to hurt him, but he also felt a strong need to take a stand on the issue of deportation.

What was the significance of the Mexican saying that Jennifer's mom used to say?

The saying, which translates to 'They tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds,' signifies resilience and the ability to grow and thrive despite adversity.

How did APA manage to raise the money needed to bring Amma back?

APA joined a kundina, which is a type of rotating savings and credit association, where members contribute money and take turns borrowing from the collective fund.

What was Efren's emotional state after the fallout with David?

Efren was upset and felt guilty about the fallout with David, as he didn't intend to harm their friendship, but he felt compelled to run for ASB president for a cause he believed in.

What was the family's reaction to APA's good news about raising the money?

The family was overjoyed and relieved. They spent time together at the playground, playing tag and enjoying each other's company, which brought a sense of happiness and normalcy amidst the challenges they faced.