Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Image

Justification

Response

(a) While I do not know the pain of the death of a parent, I could relate to Yahaira and Camino's discovery that their parent is not a hero, but rather an imperfect person. In my late 20s, I realized my mother was not the person I thought she was. It is sobering and disappointing on so many levels--especially when the discovery you make is different from what you believe your entire identity is shaped from. 

(e) I have never been a fan of novels in verse, but that was likely because I had never really read them. I like poetry on its own but should have realized I would like novels in verse because I love longer poems like "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and the Odessey. Acevedo writes beautifully, almost painting the entire story with words. I loved that I could picture both Yahaira and Camino and feel the weather on the island. Everything was so palpable and visual. It was incredibly immersive. (f) As a work of art, Clap When You Land is beautiful poetry. As a novel with a plot that was easily followed and engaging, and I can see recommending this or using it as an introductory text for poetry. I really appreciated the alternating views from both sisters. It added so much depth and conveyed the simultaneous closeness and distance siblings experience. Acevedo writes "Is this what sisterhood is? A negotiation of the things you make possible out of impossible requests?" I can easily remember all the "negotiations" that took place between my brothers and me--the easy (don't tell mom this happened) and the difficult (you have to move out because you're hurting mom and I'm telling you because she can't stand to throw you out).

(g) Again, I can see this being an excellent text for my classroom library and recommending it to students who want to try poetry or don't find it easy to read. It is both beautiful and relatable on so many levels. I will definitely be reading Poet X and With the Fire On High. 

Conclusion

Acevedo is a brilliant poet and I'm thrilled I chose Clap When You Land for my poetry selection. It was incredibly moving in such a raw and real way, not just for the beauty of her words. I was moved by the story that unfolded with each line.

Citation

Genre: Poetry