The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly

The Land of Forgotten Girls

by Erin Entrada Kelly

Two sisters from the Philippines, abandoned by their father and living in impoverished circumstances in Louisiana, fight to make their lives better. School Library Journal called The Land of Forgotten Girls "A charming and affecting novel about sisterhood, the magic of imagination, and perseverance." For readers of Pam Munoz Ryan, Rita Williams-Garcia, and anyone searching for the true meaning of family. Winner of a Parents' Choice Gold Award. Soledad has always been able to escape into the stories she creates. Just like her mother always could. And Soledad has needed that escape more than ever in the five years since her mother and sister died, and her father moved Sol and her youngest sister from the Philippines to Louisiana. After her father leaves, all Sol and Ming have is their evil stepmother, Vea. Sol has protected Ming all this time, but then Ming begins to believe that Auntie Jove-their mythical, world-traveling aunt-is really going to come rescue them. Can Sol protect Ming from this impossible hope?
Acclaimed and award-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly writes masterfully about the challenges of finding hope in impossible circumstances, in this novel that will appeal to fans of Cynthia Kadohata and Thanhha Lai. Booklist said, "Kelly's sophomore novel is both hopeful and heartfelt, but strong emotions are only part of the successful equation here. Told in Sol's true voice, the direct dialogue brings the diverse characters to vivid life."

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

4 of 5 stars

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The Land of Forgotten Girls is a heartbreaking, realistic yet imaginative middle grade novel.

Content Warning: Child Abuse, Neglect, Bullying, Prejudice against Chinese people, "wetback",

There were several scenes where I was holding my breath. I didn't see what was coming next. I didn't guess the ending. It's such a rollercoaster of hope and despair. Highly recommend it. Need more of this kind of book for the kids that need to be seen and helped, and kids that need to be educated and empathize.

I fucking love Sol. She's not perfect by any means. I alternating between screaming "YESSS" and "NOOOOO" at her. She does do some shady things, like stealing popsicles and bullying an albino girl at the private school near by. I honestly get it. She has so little good things in her life hence the popsicles. It's really common and understandable. People who've never been there just don't get because of the daily consistent grinding down of life on the bottom where you're still trying just to grasp the latter. It actually causes a realistic honest problem and it worked out well. I'm so glad this was included, TBH.

The bullying is different, obviously. I still get the "why" motivation, the othering of them in their privileged lives, the clueless lashing out, and again, I'm glad it's included. Some kids do bad things because they don't think and there are no consequences. Until the happen. Then Sol stepped up, did the right thing, and it leads to a beautiful friendship.

Sol, Caroline, and Manny were great in every grouping and situation. There are conversations about dating and kissing, but romance isn't the point, just an everyday thing. The little sisters were adorable. There's these moments for friendship and sister relationships that just...



Vea is the evil stepmother. And I do mean evil. She is ignorant, abusive towards the girls emotionally, verbally, physically, and psychologically. She tells them awful things and enjoys it. She's bitter, broke, rejected, and exhausted of her life, which she takes it out on the children. The best thing about her is Sol's dragon backstory for her.

Fairy tale elements grounded in poverty, a broken home seen through the children's view and understanding of things. It's brilliant and sad and real.

And if you think this is too dark for a fairy tale, then clearly you're not reading many.

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  • 12 May, 2018: Reviewed