The Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar
Published by Scholastic Press on September 15, 2020
ISBN: 1338343807
Pages: 256
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Betita was born in the US, but her parents are undocumented. When her father is deported, Betita and her pregnant mother are left to figure things out for themselves. In an attempt to see her father, Betita and her mother are also detained. Now living in a family detention camp outside LA, Betita finds strength in her poetry and art. When Betita’s mother goes into early labor, Betita is left in the detention center without her mother.

This book is simultaneously heartwarming and gut wrenching. It is so well written and, at times, so hard to read. The text is in beautifully written verse that perfectly mimics the poetry Betita creates throughout the story. The story effortlessly tackles the difficult subject of family separation through deportation, detention, and immigrations with grace. This is an important and timely book and should be added to most collections. Recommended for readers 5th grade and up and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME