Clap When You Land

Written by Elizabeth Acevedo

Narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo and Melania Luisa Marte

An Odyssey Honor Audiobook

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.

Don't miss the audiobook, read by Elizabeth Acevedo, the beloved author and narrator of The Poet X, winner of an Odyssey Honor and an AudioFile Earphones Award winner. 

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. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: May 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9780063011816

Elizabeth Acevedo

ELIZABETH ACEVEDO was born and raised in New York City and her poetry is infused with Dominican bolero and her beloved city’s tough grit.

Reviews for Clap When You Land

[Silvia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Clap When You Land is absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking, as you can expect from a novel about two sisters who don't know of each other, but discover their father's secret when he dies in a plane crash. Not only is Acevedo's writing gorgeous and compelling, but the portrayal of grief, family, self-discovery, forgiveness, sisterhood and pride in your culture and heritage enraptures you completely.

[Dalia Soles · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Elizabeth Acevedo is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her story lines are entertaining and paint the most beautiful real life portraits. I fell in love with the characters in this story!

[Jae Bull · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For people that care, the dog survives. Great story. ? ❤️?

[Dannie KJW · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book brought tears to my eyes because if you know, then you know. Very well written book and I love that it was written more like a poem.

[Natoschia Sharp · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’ve never read such an accurate representation of the loss of a loved one. The guilt, the rage, the emptiness, the little reminders of the person are all explored in this book. It weirdly gave me an overwhelming sense of peace.

[Oluwaseun Aloba · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the narration, beautiful story. Thanks for sharing. A story needed to be told!

[Amanda K-H Y.E Anka · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can’t point out how I feel about reading this book. It still amazes me how people write so beautifully. This story is inspirational. I highly recommend!

[iam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Stunning book and performance by the narrators. Content warnings for sexual assault, stalking, attempted rape on-page.

[jackie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was great definitely a must read, I would definitely read again!

[magdalene barzey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another excellent story. I am not Dominican or even Latina but as a black female who grew up and have lived most of my life on a small island this story is relatable in so many ways. There are also many Dominicans living in my country and while sadly many people think the women are preditors, I wonder how many of their lives were crafted by victimisation. I didn't know about this crash but your story did well to bring awareness. I hope it will also encourage the many who bury themeselves with their grief to find ways to heal.

[Jenna Vaughn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great book about 2 sisters who only learn of one another after their father's plane crashed. It's a story about love and family and finding who you are and who you're meant to be.

[Katrina Vinluan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like With the Fire On High More

Perhaps the imagery and food details in WFOH appeals to me more. I tried to love this as much as I did the other book, but it was difilficult for me to not get confused considering I'm reading this as an audio book. It may probably be a totally different experience on page, but as an audio book, the back and forth confused me a bit, preventing my otherwise enjoyable immersive experience with an Acevedo book. I like how the book tackled grief and "family secrets," though, without making it dramatic, cheesy, or dragging. But it was not as much as an easy read as my fave WFOH.

[kity16 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked the idea of a novel in verses, but because of the constant switching between characters i had to make a mental note to remember which girl was in Dominican Republic and which was in New York.
I read reviews that said they couldn't differentiate the girls because their voices sounded similar - they did, but the author, who was narrating Yahaira, had a different take on the story.
My problem was not properly identifying the girls with their names and stories. I even had to stop listening at one time and read positive reviews (as not to spoil my own review) to understand the story better.
I think that if i were to read the hard copy i wouldn't have finished it because of the verses, but i think the audiobook was spot on!

[d-fbuser-79911981 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am 120% convinced that Elizabeth Acevedo can do NO WRONG with all the books she writes. Clap When You Land is such a stunning masterpiece that tugs and squeezes the heart in all the right places, in all the gritty and enchanting ways.

[Lucia Garcia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Clap When You Land" takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, beautifully blending tears and laughter with Acevedo's effortless and gorgeous poetic narrative, infused with Spanglish and slang that elevates this poignant exploration of sisterhood and grief. As the girls confront the fallout from their father’s secrets, we’re reminded how deeply parental choices can affect their children.

Reading the book while simultaneously listening to the audiobook read by Acevedo added a magical dimension to the experience, turning it into a personal storytelling session. Get ready for a journey that will inspire tighter hugs for your loved ones!

[Kandi Robinson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book really will put you in your feelings! I super enjoyed this book as well as the audiobook. The thoughts that transpired between both Camino & Yahaira just melts your soul because you can truly feel their hurt, pain and grief. This book was easy to read but if you’re not great in Spanish, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook.

[dairyp · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book took me away from my own mind many times , when I need it to scape.
Love it!

[Nas · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.5⭐️ Acevedo can do no wrong. I didn’t even mean to start this audiobook, it started by accident when I was trying to click the title to read the synopsis. I was immediately immersed in the verses that told such an incredible story!

[Jaime Lee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book so much!!! I loved the detail and culture-packed effect it had. Definitely worth a read.

[Madalena Afonso · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

That was brilliant! I’ve only read two books by Elizabeth Acevedo so far in my life, counting with this one. And I’m so sure that she’s one of my favorite authors, as I’m sure she’s a genius. Her writing transmits so much feeling it’s impossible to stay neutral. You laugh and you cry with these characters because you feel with them, not for them. Amazing, amazing, amazing.

[Savanna Waddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

AHHHHH SHE DID IT AGAIN, Elizabeth’s words and stories never fail to amaze me.

[kim byrd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book read like poetry! Great story! Easy to identify with.

[Diamond · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book. Very short and no plot twists to throw me completely off (although plot twists are good). I loved the ending! I loved the authors note and learned something new about Dominican History.

[Maria Zarah Gregorio Viado · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A heart-rending story of loss, identity and finding family ♥️ highly recommend it ♥️

[mbmendel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a beautiful story! And beautifully told. And beautifully performed.

[Joanna Marchena · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

wow what an experience, it even made me cry u guys

[Victoria Edelsbrunner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Heartbreaking and fabulous. Couldn't stop listening and cried several times. Will be particularly poignant for anyone who's ever lost a parent.

[DesertSkyCacti · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely Beautiful. The Narration performance was steller, and the story itself was one I won't soon forget. Elizabeth Acevedo's work is not to be missed!

[Ravine Taylor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Some Absolutely stunning writing and phenomenal, complicated characters and narrative!

[Maria Santos · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book so much Elizabeth Acevedo is just amazing