Clap When You Land
on Goodreads (106,132)
What’s inside...
In a novel-in-verse that brims with grief and love, National Book Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives. Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people. In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash. Separated by distance—and Papi’s secrets—the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered. And then, when it seems like they’ve lost everything of their father, they learn of each other.
Age
14-17
Length
432 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Camino Rios
Yahaira Rios
Dre
Zoila Rios
Tia Solana
El Cero
Discussion points
How did the characters' reactions to grief differ, and what does that tell us about people's ways of coping?
What do you think the title 'Clap When You Land' signifies in the story?
How does the relationship between the sisters evolve throughout the book?
Discuss how secrets and discoveries played a role in shaping the narrative. What impact did they have on the characters?
Can you relate to the feelings of finding out a life-changing secret? How would you handle it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each character’s reaction to the events in the book.
Use parallels from the book to discuss any personal experiences with grief or surprises that had a significant impact on their lives.
Highlight the importance of family, resilience, and forgiveness shown throughout the book to instill similar values in your child.
Ask your child to imagine an alternate ending to the book and discuss how different actions might lead to different outcomes, enhancing their critical thinking.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing complex topics like secrets and family dynamics as explored in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Tragedy
Explanation: In 'Clap When You Land,' the characters deal with the sudden loss of a loved one. Their journey through grief and acceptance showcases their resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage and express their emotions during difficult times, understanding that it's okay to feel sad and that healing takes time.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Connections
Explanation: The story explores the complexities of family dynamics and the revelation of familial secrets, emphasizing the significance of forgiveness and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cherish and maintain family relationships, learning to navigate misunderstandings and appreciate the bond of family.
Example Lesson: Cultural Identity and Heritage
Explanation: The characters in the book grapple with their identities tied to different cultures. The narrative delves into their experiences of cultural duality and self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children can gain a deeper appreciation of their own cultural heritage and the importance of embracing diverse backgrounds and histories.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Perspective
Explanation: As the characters in the book uncover truths about each other, they learn to see things from different perspectives, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children realize the value of considering other people’s feelings and viewpoints, enhancing social interactions and emotional intelligence.