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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.
kelleemoye's review
4.0
I first struggled with reading this beautiful book, but by listening to it, I was able to hear the intricate verses and lyrical language. I am glad I didn’t give up on it!
thenextgenlibrarian's review
5.0
Well @aida_writes I’m in tears after reading the MG free verse book The Land of Cranes.
lizaroo71's review
3.0
Young Betita is happy with her home life. She creates beautiful poetry with images to depict what she loves in life. Her father encourages her to always find the dulzura in life. But things change dramatically when Betita's father is swept up in an ICE raid and deported to Mexico. Her pregnant mother and Betitita are trying to stay positive, but things seem grim. When they make an attempt to visit her father at the border, things turn worse. Betita and her mother are taken to a detention center. This is the bulk of the story.
Betita is scared, but she tries to find the sweetness in the situation. She takes solace in creating animals and a doll made out of toilet paper. She makes a friend with a young girl that confides in her the horrors of the last detention center she was in. She takes care of her mother.
The story highlights the atrocities that take place against immigrants every day. This is not unique to the U.S. either. Nor to the current administration.
I just listened to a podcast where the author of [b:The Deportation Machine: America's Long History of Expelling Immigrants|48710546|The Deportation Machine America's Long History of Expelling Immigrants|Adam Goodman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579616089l/48710546._SX50_.jpg|74065995] was interviewed. I think I need to read this book to better understand the situation more clearly.
A good book to introduce the subject to young kids.
Betita is scared, but she tries to find the sweetness in the situation. She takes solace in creating animals and a doll made out of toilet paper. She makes a friend with a young girl that confides in her the horrors of the last detention center she was in. She takes care of her mother.
The story highlights the atrocities that take place against immigrants every day. This is not unique to the U.S. either. Nor to the current administration.
I just listened to a podcast where the author of [b:The Deportation Machine: America's Long History of Expelling Immigrants|48710546|The Deportation Machine America's Long History of Expelling Immigrants|Adam Goodman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579616089l/48710546._SX50_.jpg|74065995] was interviewed. I think I need to read this book to better understand the situation more clearly.
A good book to introduce the subject to young kids.
mrs_bookdragon's review
5.0
This book absolutely destroyed me. I am devastated and heartbroken, but also full of hope. Must read book in verse.
angiedkelly's review
5.0
Excellent and timely told in verse novel for middle grade readers. Eloquently tells the story of a modern day family who are held in encampment in an immigration camp. Not told in a scary way but rather factual and lyrical. The drawings interwoven into the text just add to the telling of the story.
Highly recommend as a classroom read aloud! Adults should read this one too!
Highly recommend as a classroom read aloud! Adults should read this one too!