A review by dhatislandbookworm
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Elizabeth Acevedo, I’m sorry I was unfamiliar with your pen. 
 
This was my first Acevedo novel and she has an auto buy reader in me. 
 
Acevedo was able to convey the raw, honest grief of Camino and Yahaira, two girls who have to reckon with the reality that they did not truly know their father in the face of tragedy. 
 
Camino and Yahaira are two fleshed out, compelling characters that you can’t help but sympathize with as they navigate betrayal, identity, complex family dynamics, class disparity, and more in the aftermath of their father’s death. 
 
Each chapter is a punch to the gut as Acevedo captures both girls’ journeys with distinct, memorable prose. I was so enamored that when it was over, I wanted more. 
 
This is a novel-in-verse that I listened to this on audio, which was fantastic, but I will be re-reading physically to capture the full effect of Acevedo’s writing. 
 
Clap When You Land is an absolute masterpiece and I will be recommending it for years to come. 
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