At the beginning of June, I committed to reading more Black stories. Whether that be educational resources like How To Be AntiRacist by Ibram X. Kendi, books that get you to reflect like Me & White Supremacy by Laylaa F Saad, personal stories about growing up Black in America like More Than Enough by Elaine Weltheroth or stories told by Black authors like today’s read, Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo.

It’s taking me longer to get through this list (originally shared in The Preppy Book Club Facebook Group) because I’m consciously digesting every word that I’m reading. I’m re-reading passages that strike me to be impactful and challenging myself to think critically about everything I’m consuming. In between some of the denser and educational options, I turned to Clap When You Land. And I was enthralled.

Overall Rating of Clap When You Land: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Clap When You Land is a story of two sisters as they deal with the grappling days following the death of their father. Except, there’s a catch, one sister lives in New York City and the other in the Dominican Republic, and until the death of their father, they never knew the other existed.

The story alternates between the perspective of Camino (who lives in the Dominican Republic) and Yahira (who lives in New York City) and is told through a series of absolutely beautifully written poems. At first, I didn’t know if I’d be a fan of the poem-style of writing but I absolutely loved it. Not only did it help make it a quick read (finished it in one weekend!), it felt like it was more than a story, it was a work of art.

I promise that I don’t give all books 5 stars, but this one was non-negotiable. This story pulls at your heartstrings, feeds your adrenaline, plays into difficult family dynamics, and illustrates the magic of sisterhood.

Share and discuss what you loved/didn’t love in the comments below (I’ll go first!) and then head over to The Preppy Book Club Facebook Group to join our virtual Zoom, which will at 7p on Tuesday, July 7th.



1| Who did you connect with more, Camino or Yahira? And why?

2|How did you feel when you found out about Pappi’s secrets?

3|Camino and Yahira dealt with grief and trauma in extreme ways. How did that make you feel?

4|If you were Camino, would you reach out to Yahira or would you let her learn Pappi’s secret on her own?

5|Following Mami’s character arc was frustrating and empowering at the same time. When did you start warming up to her?

6|How did you feel about Camino’s departure?