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sarahelem's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
4.0
For this book being intended for children, the content is very heavy. There are instances of verbal and physical abuse and violence throughout. Be prepared for that. There are also glimmers of hope.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
booksrachelreads's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
abbwrites's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tiffanie39e8e's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
Erin Entrada Kelly really knows how to break my heart. This is the 2nd book of hers I've read, and the second time my heart ached for her wonderful characters. I loved the time I spent with Sol and Ming, the "forgotten girls." And I'm so glad that by the end of the book they know they're not forgotten, that there are people who love them and will always have their backs.
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
5.0
Erin Entrada Kelly has done it again. I feel like I start every review of a book by her with something to this effect, but what do you expect when she always strikes it out of the park? I might be setting myself up for a fall considering how high a pedestal I keep putting her on. I don’t care because even her ‘worst’ output so far has been leagues above a lot of books I’ve seen get critical acclaim.
What she excels at is capturing the messy dynamics of human relationships. While there are always antagonists, there aren’t always villains. Awful individuals have people they care about, people they’d make exceptions for, people who if you asked would swear up and down that the person you think is the devil incarnate is actually a bastion of kindness. As hard as it is to admit, awful people are still at the end of the day still people.
I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate her commitment to seeing a plot through to its conclusion. Many middle grade books want to tackle heavy themes, but are scared of leaving readers with potentially ‘bad’ feelings so they twist the story in the eleventh hour into a puff piece that feels unearned. I like that she follows through on the realism she starts with. Realism doesn’t have to equal grimdark. It doesn’t have to leave you feeling miserable. I think there’s a comfort kids can derive from reading about other kids going through circumstances that they might also be going through and learning they’re not alone. It may not be the unabashed happy ending they deserve when it’s all over, but sometimes the happy ending comes after the story has ended and what you’re left with now is okay too because you know if they can get through it you can too.
Soledad is a beautifully complicated character. She steals. She talks back. She trespasses. She’s also a wonderful friend, a giving sister, and has immense guilt over a freak accident that wasn’t her fault. Her complexity added so much depth to the story. I adored her. Even when she was acting out, she never lost her appeal.
The Auntie Jove plot point created great tension. Whether or not she’s real is revealed fairly early on and you’re left on edge as it builds to the climax. Reading it I knew that whatever happened it was going to have major consequences and I was scared for Soledad dealing with the potential fallout.
Despite being an evil stepmother Vea was a multi-faceted antagonist. Her behavior was inexcusable, however, I can acknowledge that in her own way she was trying her best. I liked how she and Soledad reached an understanding by the end.
Bottom line, The Land of Forgotten Girls is a treasure. You won’t be disappointed. I’ve never been and don’t expect to ever be. Another high recommendation as per usual.
What she excels at is capturing the messy dynamics of human relationships. While there are always antagonists, there aren’t always villains. Awful individuals have people they care about, people they’d make exceptions for, people who if you asked would swear up and down that the person you think is the devil incarnate is actually a bastion of kindness. As hard as it is to admit, awful people are still at the end of the day still people.
I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate her commitment to seeing a plot through to its conclusion. Many middle grade books want to tackle heavy themes, but are scared of leaving readers with potentially ‘bad’ feelings so they twist the story in the eleventh hour into a puff piece that feels unearned. I like that she follows through on the realism she starts with. Realism doesn’t have to equal grimdark. It doesn’t have to leave you feeling miserable. I think there’s a comfort kids can derive from reading about other kids going through circumstances that they might also be going through and learning they’re not alone. It may not be the unabashed happy ending they deserve when it’s all over, but sometimes the happy ending comes after the story has ended and what you’re left with now is okay too because you know if they can get through it you can too.
Soledad is a beautifully complicated character. She steals. She talks back. She trespasses. She’s also a wonderful friend, a giving sister, and has immense guilt over a freak accident that wasn’t her fault. Her complexity added so much depth to the story. I adored her. Even when she was acting out, she never lost her appeal.
The Auntie Jove plot point created great tension. Whether or not she’s real is revealed fairly early on and you’re left on edge as it builds to the climax. Reading it I knew that whatever happened it was going to have major consequences and I was scared for Soledad dealing with the potential fallout.
Despite being an evil stepmother Vea was a multi-faceted antagonist. Her behavior was inexcusable, however, I can acknowledge that in her own way she was trying her best. I liked how she and Soledad reached an understanding by the end.
Bottom line, The Land of Forgotten Girls is a treasure. You won’t be disappointed. I’ve never been and don’t expect to ever be. Another high recommendation as per usual.
seashelfs's review against another edition
4.0
Sad and hopeful book. I just wanted a happier ending.
bunbunbunny's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75