CLAP WHEN YOU LAND BY ELIZABETH ACEVEDO

From the very first page, Clap When You Land completely pulled me in with its stunning verse and deeply human characters. Elizabeth Acevedo’s writing is so lyrical and emotionally layered that I often found myself reading certain lines twice—once because the poetry is so beautiful and then again to make sure I didn't miss anything important in the plot.

I couldn’t step away from this story. I had to read it almost in one sitting because I was so emotionally invested—I needed to know that Camino and Yahaira would be okay. The emotional pull of their journeys, both individually and together, is incredibly powerful.

My favorite character was Tía Solana, Camino's aunt. She’s a midwife and healer in their Dominican community, and she radiates grace and quiet resilience. Her care for Camino and her selfless support of those around her made her one of the most grounding and memorable presences in the book. She’s the kind of character who quietly holds everything—and everyone—together.