Since November 2016, I've decided to bring more attention to diverse authors and diverse books, because now more than ever #WeNeedDiverseBooks. So this will be one of an occasional series of posts.
The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly (March 2016, Greenwillow/Harpercollins, 304 pages, for ages 8 to 12)
Synopsis (from the publisher): Soledad has always been able to escape into the stories she creates. Just like her mother always could. And Soledad has needed that escape more than ever in the five years since her mother and sister died and her father moved Sol and her youngest sister from the Philippines to Louisiana. Then he left, and all Sol and Ming have now is their evil stepmother, Vea. Sol has protected Ming all this time, but then Ming begins to believe that Auntie Jove—their mythical, world-traveling aunt—is really going to come rescue them. Have Sol’s stories done more harm than good? Can she protect Ming from this impossible hope?
Why I recommend it: The author makes us fall in love Sol's 12-year-old girl voice, a voice that's brave and funny and achingly honest. With so many quotable lines, I had trouble coming up with just one favorite.
This book will break your heart into thousands of pieces--and then knit them all back together. A strong sibling bond, good friends, and a kind neighbor lift this contemporary novel up into heartwarming territory, as does the power of Sol's imagination. Sol is so real, you'll want to hug her and buy her some ice cream.
Favorite lines: When Vea's in a good mood--which is like, never--she brings home extra tartar sauce for Ming.
Today wasn't a tartar sauce day.
Find other diverse children's books at: The Logonauts and Pragmatic Mom
Find the author at erinentradakelly.com
Follow her on Twitter at erinkellytweets
The plot of this one sounds sad--thank goodness it has some bright spots!
ReplyDeleteOh, there's plenty of humor to balance the sadness.
DeleteI will be sure to read this one as I've enjoyed Erin's previous works. Diversity presented in a interesting way.
ReplyDeleteYes! I loved BLACKBIRD FLY! And it's so important to give diverse titles/authors our attention, because we live in a diverse country.
DeleteI love your description: "This book will break your heart into thousands of pieces--and then knit them all back together." I think young people can learn to be strong through such books. Definitely one for my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth.
DeleteThis sounds like a sibling story that is not only important to read but also a spellbinder. Appreciations for this add to my list, Joanne.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Jan!
DeleteStrong relationships, interesting plot, well-crafted voice...sold! Putting it on my list now. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Joanne!
DeleteVoice is so important to me when I'm reading. You make this sound irresistible. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteThat's always my hope, Rosi!
DeleteMy kind of story! Glad you didn't share too much, because I want to read this book! Yes, for Diverse Children's Books!
ReplyDeleteCan never have enough diverse children's books. Your blog features a lot of them too, Patricia.
DeleteJust that short quotation you included makes me think I will really like the voice of this book, and if I like the voice, I don't even care what the story is about!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, Kim.
DeleteThe premise and plot of this story sounds so interesting and intriguing. Thanks for sharing about this book. I like the cover.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great cover, isn't it, Nasreen?
DeleteI have seen this book around, but haven't had a chance to read it yet. It sounds like a great read. I am glad my heart will be put back together by the end. :) Great review!
ReplyDelete~Jess
Thanks, Jess.
DeleteErin Entrada Kelly is a terrific writer. Glad to know she has this out, as I really enjoyed BLACKBIRD FLY.
ReplyDeleteAnd we have another book to look forward to in March 2017, HELLO, UNIVERSE.
DeleteThis book sounds really good! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThis sounds great. Will check it out!
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely, Sue. Thanks for stopping by.
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