The title Efrén Divided has several possibilities for interpretation. For example, with Efrén’s deep love and admiration for Amá, it may refer to the way a piece of Efrén is gone once Amá is deported. What other meanings might the title have? For instance, in what ways does Efrén feel torn or undecided at times in the narrative? What might the word divided connote on a symbolic level? Use details and events from the novel to support your answers.

Backstory reveals information and characterization important to the reader’s understanding and enjoyment of a story. In Efrén Divided, memories and dialogue reveal backstory. Choose three or four scenes in which memories or conversation reveal backstory and discuss the information from Efrén’s or Efrén’s family’s past that the reader learns. Why might the author have chosen those particular scenes in which to share these backstory points?

A dynamic character is one whose opinions or emotions change over the course of the story. Choose a dynamic secondary character who experienced some kind of change in ideas or attitude in the novel as a result of Efrén’s experiences with Amá’s absence. In what traits or character reactions do you observe change? How does their change in