
Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world or struggling to find their place in a new environment. This verse novel follows Soleida and Dariel, two teens from different worlds, who find common ground through their love of nature and art in the midst of displacement. It beautifully explores themes of environmental activism, the refugee experience, and the healing power of creative expression. Written for ages 12 and up, Engle's lyrical poetry makes complex global issues like climate change and political exile feel personal and manageable. It is an ideal choice for parents looking to support a child's sense of empathy, resilience, and hope during times of personal or global transition. The story validates the weight of contemporary anxieties while offering a roadmap for how individual passion can lead to meaningful connection.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepicts the emotional toll of leaving home and living in refugee camps.
Themes of political oppression and the treatment of immigrants.
The book addresses the harsh realities of the refugee experience and climate change. The approach is direct but grounded in lyrical beauty. It touches on political oppression and the fear of deportation in a realistic, non-religious context. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, focusing on agency rather than magical solutions.
A 14-year-old who is passionate about the environment and feels like an outsider, perhaps a student who expresses themselves better through drawing or music than through traditional academic routes.
Read the author's note at the end to understand the real-world inspirations for the setting. The book can be read cold, but discussing the current state of climate migration might enrich the experience. A parent might notice their child withdrawing because of 'eco-anxiety' or feeling frustrated by news reports on immigration and social injustice.
Younger teens will focus on the budding romance and the rescue of animals. Older teens will grasp the nuanced critiques of political systems and the intersectionality of environmental and social justice.
Unlike many 'issue books,' this novel uses the economy of verse to let the emotional landscape breathe, making the heavy topics feel light enough to carry.
The story follows Soleida, a girl fleeing Cuba after a devastating hurricane and political crackdowns, and Dariel, a boy in California with Cuban roots who expresses his love for the wild through music. They meet in a Costa Rican refugee camp where their shared passion for protecting endangered species and their cultural heritage sparks a deep connection. Together, they navigate the complexities of displacement and environmental destruction through art and activism.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.