Camino Rios lives with her aunt in a simple home in the Dominican Republic. Life is tough, but they get by thanks to Papi, who lives and works in the US in order to support them. The worst happens when Papi's plane crashes on the way back to the island for his yearly visit. How will Camino and Tia survive. Meanwhile, alternating chapters tell the tale of Yahaira Rios, a NYC girl and former chess champion who resides with her parents. Her life is turned upside down when her Papi's plane crashes as he returns to his birthplace for his yearly trip. We see the different, yet similar experiences of both girls as they mourn the loss of their fathers-who turn out to be the same man. When the sisters find each other old anger and hurts are revisited. Will the families be able to bury the past, as they prepare to bury the man responsible for this big mess. How can they figure out their complex relationship and move towards the future?
Acevedo does it again with this beautifully crafted collection of verses that mesh together to tell a heartfelt story. Readers will relate to both of the narrators as they see both sides of the story and will root for everyone. Even Papi, who creates all of the problems in the first place, becomes a sympathetic character as the girls realize that you can be a good father even if you aren't a good husband. Themes include forgiveness, feminism, poverty, overcoming fear, importance and complexities of family and community, perseverance, and the concept of "home". The title refers to a Dominican tradition of clapping when planes land back on Dominican soil. They clap because they are safe--and because they are home. The story presents diversity in characters, economic status, and gender. The characters are fully realized, and the reader feels as if they know them personally. The poetry is carefully worded and beautiful. It does not conflict with the flow of the narrative and not one word is wasted. Once readers pick up this book it is hard to put down and since it is narrative poetry, it reads very quickly. I know readers who were very emotionally touched by this book to the point of tears and I am sure that young readers will connect to it in a very profound way. Based on an factual plane crash, an author's note at the end connects readers to the actual events inspiring her to write the story. Clap When You Land is an example of how well-written stories can also be highly entertaining and readable. This title will be beloved by teens of all stripes, as well as critics.
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