The Land of Forgotten Girls

An empowering and moving story about sisterhood.“She isn’t rich. She’s clever. That means she knows how to use her imagination. When you can do that, you can do anything.”This is something Soledad’s mother would always say. She was a weaver of words. A magnificent storyteller. A fairy godmother that would gladly whisk you away from the danger of reality.And, when she died. Soledad doesn’t know how to escape the peril of drowning into her own trance.Soledad and Dominga.Sol and Ming for short. They are two sisters who was born in the Philippines. Though, soon after their mother died, they migrated to Louisiana, USA.Together with their evil stepmother and their father who suddenly abandoned them.They need an escape more than ever.“She has to believe in something. Everyone has to believe in something.”For Ming’s sake, Sol started slowly unpacking all the tales their mother left her... Auntie Jove, their adventurous aunt, who’s going to rescue them some day. Ming was so immerse into the fantasy, Sol is worried, she gave her “too much” to believe in.The Land of Forgotten Girls filled my heart with so much love, I’m afraid it would burst.I am not a regular Middle Grade reader, but if all of them have the same timbre of storytelling as Kelly’s, I’ll gladly read them frequently.I have always been on a lookout for stories that features tight knit, complicated family. Bonus, if it’s about sisterhood. So, to my delight when this book magically appears out of nowhere. I felt like I won a lottery, but even better because it’s about two Filipino American sisters.As Ming would say “Everyone needs sisters!” I have to agree with that. Always.The narration of the story would occasionally go back and forth in the Philippines to tell a flashback scene. In addition, Kelly effortlessly intertwines the Filipino culture in the plot. Our rich tradition, tales, and more. I could not help but to chuckle as I read some very familiar words. It’s extremely refreshing to finally see a little bit of myself in things that I highly treasure.Aside from that, The Land of Forgotten Girls also has a diverse cast. Ming and Sol are both Filipino American who grew up in the Philippines. Sol’s best friend, Manny is a Mexican and their neighbors are Chinese as well.This book got so many things right. Per instance colorism, racism and more.Can you imagine a bunch of twelve year old kids discussing racial problems? Yes, I certainly can. Because when you grew up as a minority in America, the people around you will force you to grow up. You’ll be considered a threat, sometimes less than a human being.To sum it up, The Land of Forgotten Girls should be a required reading material for all ages. This book teaches us that family is everything, that children of color have plenty of tales to tell.Review also posted at Hollywood News Source.

I love how Erin Entrada Kelly weaves in her Filipino American background into her stories. This book is about two sisters from the Philippines who find themselves in Louisiana. The author creates believable and sympathetic characters. Put simply, her characters are adorable. This is a great book for young adults.

I'm not crying, you're crying. Excuse me while I mend my broken heart! Oh my gods, this book hit me right in the feels. It was so creative and I love all the stories woven in! I couldn't help but think of my siblings when I reading. And I of course thought about my younger sister so it was really heartwarming and breaking at the same time.

"The truth has a thousand voices."What a meaningful, poignant and timely book. This is a great cultural narrative that would pair with so many great pieces of historical fictions about the immigrant narrative. It would create some powerful comparisons to the past and present immigrant experience and the value of friendships in bridging the divide that exists in the heart.What gorgeous voices.

I became a fan of Erin Entrada Kelly after reading Blackbird Fly. Again, the main character is a tween-age immigrant girl from the Philippines, living in Louisiana. Brought to the New Orleans projects by her father after the death of her mother and sister, Soledad (Sol) is left with her little sister Ming and evil-stepmother when her father returns to his native country for a "visit." A visit that has lasted five years. With a touch of magical realism, not to mention that evil stepmother, Sol uses her storytelling skills (a gift from her mother) to protect Ming from the harsh reality of their lives. She succeeds, until Ming comes to believe that one of Sol's stories is what will ultimately save them. Has Sol gone too far to protect her sister? This is not an "immigrant" story, but one about the love of sisters and story in an alien place.

This was a lovely little read. There’s some excellent quotes in here, and I loved the testament to the power of imagination. I would’ve read even more of it, if there were more of it to read!

I recommend to parents reading to their children for an activity reading hour. Not a bed time story because if you stop in certain places I think the child would be scared. I was very scared when I was I child, so that is why I recommend as a reading activity

The truth has a thousand voices.Two little girls stranded in a dingy apartment with an evil stepmother make their way on stories inherited from their mother. Sol and Ming have very little in life but their imaginations and each other. Together they make their way in a poor area of New Orleans with good friends and one special neighbor and find hope for a better life.

Brought it home yesterday, book is half done already- She loves it.

Start to read it, it is for a teenager group read, but enjoying it

Like a graceful swan, floats into your mind. Tells the story of a rigid life, 2 girls and one cruel stepmother. Amazing book, recommended for all ages.