Land of the Cranes

Extremely well written, and tells a painful truth about the inhumane treatment of immigrants by the United States. Betita's family fled North and were accepted on an asylum visa, but then things went terribly wrong, and 9 YO Betita is detained with her pregnant mother after her father is deported. Some of the things that happen in this book -- they are held in cages, sleeping on concrete floors, no access to clear water, unsanitary conditions, rotting food, sexual abuse of another young girl, separation from parents. Several traumatic experiences, including the vicious beating of a young organizer, and the terrible fear for her mother when the baby arrives unexpectedly. It's an intense book. However, Betita's picture poems help her to show more tell her story and help to draw attention to the plight of the detainees, which ultimately frees them, and there are a great many loving adults who find ways to make the best of an appalling situation. show less

this is beautifully tragic. it's lyrical and lush, full of compassion and emotion. it's so sad and i hate that we have done and are doing this to so many people, both children and adults. so it's such an important story and she tells it so gorgeously, and so accessibly. this is a perfect example of what good literature can do, to engage humanity and increase understanding and compassion for other's stories and their suffering.

the symbol/metaphor of the migrants as cranes is woven perfectly throughout. this is stunning.

i think the print book has pictures and even though the audio is also beautifully read, i wish i had read the physical book to see those images and the line breaks of the poetry. it would likely get 5 stars from me in that show more format. (i'm not sure how i feel about it being a middle grade book, though. maybe young adult?) show less

I have to start with books written in prose pose a real problem for me when I'm rating them for a broad audience as not every person likes to read in this particular format. Despite that initial hesitation, I have to say that yes, it is beautiful, despite the horrors described. Yes, it uses imagery to make it more relatable to a child's imagination. You really get a feel for our little leading lady's hardships. You really feel the awful conditions they have to endure, and the strength of their voices when united as one. It really emphasizes how one little spark can ignite change.


**copy received for review; opinions are my own - Read for Cybil's Middle Grade Fiction, Round Two

This book was heavy and impactful. A novel in verse filled with beautiful words describing horrible moments. I would highly recommend this book to any age that is interested in learning about this topic but there are quite a few triggers related to the treatment of people in detention centers (mainly from children and women perspectives). This book pulls at the heartstrings.

I listened to this book and at first, the narrator was good but the moment the story goes to the detention center the narrator hit a groove and was truly AMAZING.

The audiobook is about three hours and packs a punch. Have tissues ready and prepare to have your inner social justice warrior feel the call to make a difference in relation to the issues tackled in this book.

A great book about the struggles of immigrant families, especially immigrant children. I think this story can be a little dark for young children, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under the age of 13, but it has a message that is crucial for children to learn about. I think that it offers an amazing perspective for children to understand and shows our society just how much children know and how much strength they have to get through the hard things they live with or in.

Gr 3–7—This novel in verse explores family separation, deportation, and detention at the U.S.-Mexico border
through the eyes of Betita Quintero. Betita loves to write, and it's through her words that readers experience the
abounding emotions of a fourth grade girl trying to understand her family's situation. Salazar trusts her readers with
complex issues, and while the story doesn't provide the closure they may expect, Betita finds hope and her own kind
of happiness in the end. A potent book with many opportunities for discussion.

An interesting story about immigration. I think it will help children and adults understand the myriad of steps and horrors that immigrants go through to get into the United States from Mexico.