Scan barcode
bookbuyingwithkatie's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Pregnancy, Xenophobia, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Child abuse
kenauman's review
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
megpancoast's review
emotional
reflective
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? No
4.5
shayboote's review against another edition
5.0
I have no words. The wow factor isn't just because of the story, which by itself is hard hitting and hard to swallow at times, it's the incredible way Aida Salazar writes. She delivers her gut-wrenching, heartachingly beautiful prose that are also woven with hope. I am rarely rendered speechless, but Salazar did it. Just wow.
alondra13table's review
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
beyondevak's review against another edition
5.0
Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar was a great book! It was moving, it was compelling, and it was educational. I used this book for a specialty class for middle grade students. We walked through the pages together, learning so much about immigration, detention centers, deportation, and family separation. Words cannot convey how inspiring this book was. All of us - my students and I - have been changed for the better. The rich and important lessons we learned are immeasurable.
heidisreads's review
5.0
Perfect for readers of those "famous" historic events told through the eyes of a tween/teen -- readers of Alan Gratz and the I Survived books. The difference here - this isn't history - this is happening right now.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
An incredibly moving middle grade novel in verse about a family torn apart due to detention and deportation. This book does not shy away from describing the horrifying conditions people are forced to endure in the detention centres. Such a powerful and important book! Highly recommend and great on audio!
blogginboutbooks's review
4.0
Despite its ugly subject matter, this is a beautifully-written verse novel. It's lyrical and lovely, suffused as it is with interesting mythology, vivid imagery, and warm depictions of family life. Grim honesty also defines this story as it describes a young girl's experience being incarcerated at a detainment facility in a way that is stark, searing, and absolutely gut-wrenching. It's impossible to read THE LAND OF THE CRANES and NOT be moved. While the book is heartbreaking it is, ultimately, a hopeful novel. Betita is able to change her own world by telling her story—hopefully, it will spur us all to be better, act bolder, and love harder. I'd give THE LAND OF THE CRANES 4 1/2 stars if I could.