Poetry: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

10/10 

Dear Reader,

This was one of the most heart wrenching books I have ever read. The reason why this scored a perfect score was because it was a beautifully written and quick read of a book. 

I fell in love with every character, and somehow empathized with basically every one of them. Camino is a girl who lived dreaming for more, while Yahaira had no idea what she had. Their love and anger towards their father is the most compelling part of the novel. 

Their Papi is a man who taught me to understand that people are multifaceted, and complex things. His love for his children is unwavering, but he is still a man with flaws. Flaws that ruin lives apart from his own. 

Carline and Nelson taught me that life isn’t always fair, sometimes it’s tireless work and finding new passions, trying new things or taking a new turn. However, they also taught me that miracles do happen, even to the most unfortunate of souls. 

Tía taught me there is strength in being a woman, that women aren’t weak, but powerful and independent. 

Mami taught me about forgiveness, about building bridges. 

How is it that Acevedo was able to say so much in so little words? Truly it was remarkable. 

-Grace Sofia