California

The majority of Cisneros’s novel, Efrén Divided, is set in present day California. Efrén and his family live in a small apartment that is within walking distance from school. Efrén appreciates that everyone on his block is willing to help one another, even if they are struggling in their own life. While he feels this sense of community, he also knows that his parents are in constant fear of being apprehended by ICE. When he hears about raids happening in California, he knows that the adults are also afraid.

Tijuana

As the narrative progresses, Efrén travels to Tijuana to meet up with Amá and give her money to cross the border. While he has never been to Mexico, he begs Apá to allow him to go alone because he thinks it is safer than allowing his father to go near the border. In...