Efren Divided chapter 11 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Summary

In this chapter, the protagonist Efren embarks on a campaign to help his friend Max become school president, using his siblings Mia and Max's enthusiasm as a driving force. Meanwhile, Efren's father, APA, struggles with the complexities of reuniting their family, as he plans to secretly deliver money to Efren's mother who is in a precarious situation. The narrative intertwines the light-hearted school campaign with the serious undertones of family separation and the immigrant experience, highlighting Efren's determination to help his family despite the risks involved.

Takeaways

• 📚 Mia and David are involved in a school campaign, with Mia carrying a blue roll of tape and David having put up signs around the school.
• 🌆 It's Friday night, and the characters plan to put up posters at school before it gets dark, with a focus on not getting caught by Ahmad.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Max and Mia are referred to as 'secret weapons' by Efren, who believes their involvement will help his campaign for ASP president.
• 📜 Max and Mia help Efren put up posters in strategic locations around the school, such as over a drinking fountain and on the science lab door.
• 👀 Efren spots an open door and finds Mr. Garrett dressed as George Washington, which turns out to be for a lesson on the Constitution.
• 🏠 Efren misses the comfort of coming home to a warm meal and a clean apartment, hinting at a change in his family's circumstances.
• 📞 Efren talks to his mother (Amma) on the phone, and despite not knowing when she'll return, he is hopeful that things will go back to normal soon.
• 🍽️ The family enjoys churros for dessert, and Efren contemplates learning to cook for the family to maintain a sense of normalcy.
• 📝 Efren is determined to help his family, even considering learning to make Milagros, a traditional Mexican treat, for his own family.
• 🚨 There is a sense of urgency and danger as APA (possibly a family member or friend) discusses plans to sneak money to Efren's mother in San Diego.
• 🤝 Efren and APA agree to work together to ensure the family's safety and to bring Amma back, despite the risks involved.

Q & A

What is the main activity that the characters are preparing for?

The characters are preparing for an election campaign. They are putting up posters around the school to support Efren's ASP presidential campaign.

Why does David have a head start with his campaign?

David has a head start because he has already placed signs all over the school.

Why does Efren decide to take the twins back to school instead of waiting until Monday?

Efren decides to take the twins back to school on Friday night to put up posters because his friend doesn't want to wait until Monday, aiming to gain an advantage in the campaign.

Why does Efren choose to leave his bike behind?

Efren leaves his bike behind because he is taking the twins with him, and he cannot carry them and the posters on his bike at the same time.

What does Maxie do when he realizes they almost forgot their posters?

Maxie runs back to the kitchen table to grab their posters before heading out the door.

How does Mia react when Efren suggests leaving the twins at home?

Mia holds onto her scowl, indicating she is not happy with the idea of being left behind.

Why does Efren change his mind about leaving the twins at home?

Efren feels guilty when he sees the twins' disappointed reactions and realizes that they are his 'secret weapons' for the campaign.

What is the significance of the poster Max places above the drinking fountain?

The poster's placement above the most heavily used drinking fountain ensures maximum visibility, as everyone will see it.

Why does Efren suggest moving Max's poster to avoid it getting wet?

Efren is concerned that the poster might get ruined if it gets wet from the water splashes when kids use the drinking fountain.

What does Mr. Garrett's George Washington costume signify?

Mr. Garrett is dressed as George Washington because his class is going to study the Constitution, and he believes the costume will help engage the students.

What is the main concern that Efren and his friend discuss regarding getting Amma back?

The main concern is not just raising the money but also the increased difficulty and risks involved in the current situation, including the need to get the money to Amma without her ID and the potential involvement of immigration authorities.

Why does Efren's friend suggest going to San Diego and trying to sneak the money to Amma?

The friend believes that sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight, and blending in might be a safer approach to deliver the money to Amma.