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Island Creatures
From award-winning author Margarita Engle comes an inspiring and luminous love story told in verse about childhood friends, once lost and now reconnected, and their fight to protect endangered animals.
Every day, Vida reads to the creatures at the wildlife rescue center and dreams of her childhood in Cuba, where she and her best friend Adán adventured through the island rescuing animals from harm. Unbeknownst to her, Adán has also moved to Florida and is feeling trapped in his new home, buffeted by the stormy fights between his abuelo and papi. When a chance encounter with a captive fox leads to their reunion, Vida and Adán are able to find refuge from the cruelty that surrounds them in their soaring, rekindled romance.
Their love reaches new heights as they work together at the zoo that rescues rare species, but soon they realize that this peace is only temporary. Much like the wildlife they want to protect, Vida and Adán are caught in a cycle of distrust and heartlessness. As old family grudges and painful memories come to light, can they and their families learn to heal and forgive each other for a brighter, kinder future?
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Every day, Vida reads to the creatures at the wildlife rescue center and dreams of her childhood in Cuba, where she and her best friend Adán adventured through the island rescuing animals from harm. Unbeknownst to her, Adán has also moved to Florida and is feeling trapped in his new home, buffeted by the stormy fights between his abuelo and papi. When a chance encounter with a captive fox leads to their reunion, Vida and Adán are able to find refuge from the cruelty that surrounds them in their soaring, rekindled romance.
Their love reaches new heights as they work together at the zoo that rescues rare species, but soon they realize that this peace is only temporary. Much like the wildlife they want to protect, Vida and Adán are caught in a cycle of distrust and heartlessness. As old family grudges and painful memories come to light, can they and their families learn to heal and forgive each other for a brighter, kinder future?
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272 pages, Hardcover
Published July 8, 2025
7 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Margarita Engle
66 books389 followersMargarita Engle is a Cuban-American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. She lives with her husband in northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 24, 2025
3.75, rounded up. A short(er) book that packs a big punch. The story is uniquely told through verse with two POVs, Vida and Aiden. Once children on their beloved island of Cuba, they move to Florida and unknowingly in the same area as they rediscover each other as young adults who both share a love of protecting animals and endangered species. This book eloquently explores heavy topics like assault, feminism, the climate change and health crisis. I do wish we could have explored these topics more deeply, but I felt slightly disconnected due to the nature of the writing. One of the most unique reads I've had this year, and I'm excited to pick up some other titles from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Teen for the eARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Teen for the eARC!
August 20, 2025
Thank you Simon Teen for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
• My Reading Experience: Pleasant!
• Book Spice: None
• Adjusted Rating: 3.5 stars
• Content Thoughts:
This was such a sweet story. I really enjoyed the flow of the in-verse writing and the way the flashbacks were woven in—it gave the book a nice rhythm.
Reading it felt almost like sitting with friends while they shared how they met and fell in love, instead of feeling deeply connected with the journey of the characters. That style worked well here, for the most part, and gave the story a warm, conversational tone.
I also kept having the sense that parts of this were inspired by true events. At times I even wanted to check if it was an autobiography! It isn’t, but I loved how real-life references were tied in. I even found myself looking up some of the photos of moments mentioned in the story, which made the experience even more engaging.
Overall, this was a quick yet intriguing read. I enjoyed following along, eager to see what would happen next with the main characters.
• My Reading Experience: Pleasant!
• Book Spice: None
• Adjusted Rating: 3.5 stars
• Content Thoughts:
This was such a sweet story. I really enjoyed the flow of the in-verse writing and the way the flashbacks were woven in—it gave the book a nice rhythm.
Reading it felt almost like sitting with friends while they shared how they met and fell in love, instead of feeling deeply connected with the journey of the characters. That style worked well here, for the most part, and gave the story a warm, conversational tone.
I also kept having the sense that parts of this were inspired by true events. At times I even wanted to check if it was an autobiography! It isn’t, but I loved how real-life references were tied in. I even found myself looking up some of the photos of moments mentioned in the story, which made the experience even more engaging.
Overall, this was a quick yet intriguing read. I enjoyed following along, eager to see what would happen next with the main characters.
May 28, 2025
3.5 - Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the complimentary copy of this!
This book will be out July 8th.
The good: I really liked how the author brought to light endangered animals and just the protection of animals. I love how she wrote these two characters who have this strong connection to animals.
The mid: I'm not sure if this is because of it being written in verse but things just sort of happened. Like when it's written in a regular format, there is more opportunity for the development of the characters and the relationship. Because one minute it would be one thing and then next they were together and it's like oh where is the in between.
The good: Even with the above, I did feel like I could get a sense of the relationship between Vida and Adan. I love that they had a relationship when they were young and were able to reconnect as teens.
"We're only human but animals deserve so much more kindness."
The mid: I didn't quite understand why the grandfather hated Vida's grandmother so much so that he had to put his hands on her! We do learn why he hated her but it the hatred didn't justify the reaction. And then for him to give his grandson an ultimatum (which let me tell you, I think that is one of my least favorite tropes or themes in a book) after just getting Vida back in his life. Oh I was not happy! And THEN he didn't even explain to her why he stopped talking.
The good: Going back to the animals, the way the author spoke about animals was just so beautiful. And then when the hurricane came through, my heart broke for everyone involved! I always think about hospitals and nursing homes but I never thought about zoos and what procedures they have to do to ensure their safety.
Because of it being told in verse, it was super quick to read and pacing was fast. Overall I am happy that I read this and it enlightened me on zoos and endangered animals all while still having a romance on page.
This book will be out July 8th.
The good: I really liked how the author brought to light endangered animals and just the protection of animals. I love how she wrote these two characters who have this strong connection to animals.
The mid: I'm not sure if this is because of it being written in verse but things just sort of happened. Like when it's written in a regular format, there is more opportunity for the development of the characters and the relationship. Because one minute it would be one thing and then next they were together and it's like oh where is the in between.
The good: Even with the above, I did feel like I could get a sense of the relationship between Vida and Adan. I love that they had a relationship when they were young and were able to reconnect as teens.
"We're only human but animals deserve so much more kindness."
The mid: I didn't quite understand why the grandfather hated Vida's grandmother so much so that he had to put his hands on her! We do learn why he hated her but it the hatred didn't justify the reaction. And then for him to give his grandson an ultimatum (which let me tell you, I think that is one of my least favorite tropes or themes in a book) after just getting Vida back in his life. Oh I was not happy! And THEN he didn't even explain to her why he stopped talking.
The good: Going back to the animals, the way the author spoke about animals was just so beautiful. And then when the hurricane came through, my heart broke for everyone involved! I always think about hospitals and nursing homes but I never thought about zoos and what procedures they have to do to ensure their safety.
Because of it being told in verse, it was super quick to read and pacing was fast. Overall I am happy that I read this and it enlightened me on zoos and endangered animals all while still having a romance on page.
January 6, 2026
A truly beautiful story told in the form of poetry that discusses the beauty of wildlife and touches upon the importance of generational healing ❤️🩹
May 26, 2025
3.5 stars
Margarita Engle consistently delivers YA verse novels that reveal distinct apoints of view, complex environmental dilemmas and insights, and lush descriptions, and this latest effort meets each of these particulars.
Vida and Adan were close in their Cuban childhoods and then both unknowingly relocate to Florida with their grandparents. There is some fascinating discussion around health crises and perspectives tied into these moves and circumstances, and I enjoyed how Engle wove this into the situation. When they reconnect, both characters find that their love of animals has only grown since their absence from each other's lives, and their love for each other evolves, too.
I appreciate that Engle introduced a challenging and common situation in the novel with the addition of a sexual assault sub-plot, but this is not as tightly connnected as other elements of the text. There are some other factors, including familial challenges, that make incredible impacts on the characters but are not as thoroughly explored as I am used to experiencing in Engle's work. The pieces are all there; I just expected a bit of a deeper connection to/explanation of some of them.
I'm always thrilled when Engle offers readers something new, and I will continue to be at the front of the line reading and requesting for the long haul.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Margarita Engle consistently delivers YA verse novels that reveal distinct apoints of view, complex environmental dilemmas and insights, and lush descriptions, and this latest effort meets each of these particulars.
Vida and Adan were close in their Cuban childhoods and then both unknowingly relocate to Florida with their grandparents. There is some fascinating discussion around health crises and perspectives tied into these moves and circumstances, and I enjoyed how Engle wove this into the situation. When they reconnect, both characters find that their love of animals has only grown since their absence from each other's lives, and their love for each other evolves, too.
I appreciate that Engle introduced a challenging and common situation in the novel with the addition of a sexual assault sub-plot, but this is not as tightly connnected as other elements of the text. There are some other factors, including familial challenges, that make incredible impacts on the characters but are not as thoroughly explored as I am used to experiencing in Engle's work. The pieces are all there; I just expected a bit of a deeper connection to/explanation of some of them.
I'm always thrilled when Engle offers readers something new, and I will continue to be at the front of the line reading and requesting for the long haul.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
March 24, 2025
Every time I get a Margarita Engle book it's like Christmas. I always learn something new about our beloved island. In a novel in verse told from three points of view, Engle explores the destructive power of toxic machismo, the continuing waning of our island, and the collateral damage that may occur when journalists try to bring light to the sins of an authoritarian regime. She shines lights in a seamless and engaging way. And I couldn't wait to keep reading.
One voice follows Serena and Catey, two seven-year olds in Cuba who rescue and free animals who are being abused. They take them to Serena's family's farm where Serena's mother and father rehabilitate the creatures so they can go back to the wild. We hear their young story throughout the book. It is narrated at just the right time, to explain and expand on the relationship of the two youngsters and how they came to the United States. Separately. Then each, Serena, who becomes Vida and Catey, whose real name was Adán, tells her and his own story--how they finally meet again after having left their island. It is a beautiful, sensitive story about two families in exile which leaves you uplifted. And the nugget that I found out from this book? Cocoa grows/grew in Cuba. Who knew? Not moi! Thank you Atheneum for sharing the advanced Readers copy.
One voice follows Serena and Catey, two seven-year olds in Cuba who rescue and free animals who are being abused. They take them to Serena's family's farm where Serena's mother and father rehabilitate the creatures so they can go back to the wild. We hear their young story throughout the book. It is narrated at just the right time, to explain and expand on the relationship of the two youngsters and how they came to the United States. Separately. Then each, Serena, who becomes Vida and Catey, whose real name was Adán, tells her and his own story--how they finally meet again after having left their island. It is a beautiful, sensitive story about two families in exile which leaves you uplifted. And the nugget that I found out from this book? Cocoa grows/grew in Cuba. Who knew? Not moi! Thank you Atheneum for sharing the advanced Readers copy.
July 25, 2025
🦩 What’s it about?
This novel in verse is told through the eyes of Vida and Adán, two teens on the cusp of adulthood who knew each other as children in Cuba and run into each other again in America.
They were close as children, and have an instant connection again as near-adults. But Vida has suffered abuse at the hands of men, and Adán comes from a family of angry alcohol abusers.
Together the bond during their shared assistant counselor work at the zoo where they teach kids about climate change, caring for animals, and facing down hurricanes.
🧡 My thoughts:
I don’t know why, but novels in verse always make me feel a bit nostalgic. Maybe it’s the way the language flows like an old, forgotten song.
Island Creatures is particularly beautiful in the way in explores important and heavy hitting topics like nature conservation, endangered animals, SA on women, and censorship in Cuba.
And yet this book is still beautiful. It explores young love, compassionate men, trust, and healing old wounds.
I adored the way Vida and Adám fell in love sweetly and tenderly over shared kisses and feminine values, over care for animals and warring grandparents.
It’s a bit Romeo and Juliet without all the death and lots of flamingos!
An enriching and beautifully told story!
This novel in verse is told through the eyes of Vida and Adán, two teens on the cusp of adulthood who knew each other as children in Cuba and run into each other again in America.
They were close as children, and have an instant connection again as near-adults. But Vida has suffered abuse at the hands of men, and Adán comes from a family of angry alcohol abusers.
Together the bond during their shared assistant counselor work at the zoo where they teach kids about climate change, caring for animals, and facing down hurricanes.
🧡 My thoughts:
I don’t know why, but novels in verse always make me feel a bit nostalgic. Maybe it’s the way the language flows like an old, forgotten song.
Island Creatures is particularly beautiful in the way in explores important and heavy hitting topics like nature conservation, endangered animals, SA on women, and censorship in Cuba.
And yet this book is still beautiful. It explores young love, compassionate men, trust, and healing old wounds.
I adored the way Vida and Adám fell in love sweetly and tenderly over shared kisses and feminine values, over care for animals and warring grandparents.
It’s a bit Romeo and Juliet without all the death and lots of flamingos!
An enriching and beautifully told story!
April 6, 2025
*Trigger Warnings* SA
This was a sweet tale of young love amidst family turmoil, coming of age, and societal realities set in a wildlife center/zoo.
Vida and Adàn were childhood friends separated by war and social unrest until fate brought them back together. It’s at orientation that they reconnect, discover and reflect on their shared past. All is well until their families reconnect and everyone is forced to relive a troubled time in Cuba and the source of conflict.
While they navigate their new relationship they’re also making decisions about their futures, trying to mend the rift between their families and avoid a major weather catastrophe headed their way.
This is a heavy read so if you're a parent I'd encourage conversation with your children while reading. There's more than one instance of S- Assult and it didn't feel necessary - the scene felt very misplaced and there didn't seem to be any adult support to Vida in those situations.
I felt at moments it was all over the place and there were some storylines that didn't feel complete to me.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC. All opinions stated are my own.
This was a sweet tale of young love amidst family turmoil, coming of age, and societal realities set in a wildlife center/zoo.
Vida and Adàn were childhood friends separated by war and social unrest until fate brought them back together. It’s at orientation that they reconnect, discover and reflect on their shared past. All is well until their families reconnect and everyone is forced to relive a troubled time in Cuba and the source of conflict.
While they navigate their new relationship they’re also making decisions about their futures, trying to mend the rift between their families and avoid a major weather catastrophe headed their way.
This is a heavy read so if you're a parent I'd encourage conversation with your children while reading. There's more than one instance of S- Assult and it didn't feel necessary - the scene felt very misplaced and there didn't seem to be any adult support to Vida in those situations.
I felt at moments it was all over the place and there were some storylines that didn't feel complete to me.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC. All opinions stated are my own.
December 18, 2025
The author tells the stories of Vida and Adan in verse. The two grew up together in Cuba as children, sharing a love of animal rescue. They were separated by an illness that killed Vida's parents when Vida's grandmother returned to Cuba and brought Vida to Florida. Then Adan's family cacao plantation failed due to climate change. The two reunite as teens when they find each other again through their shared love of animal rescue. Vida must work through her feelings about men brought on by an attack at school while Adan must work through his feelings about baseball and animals. Their love is threatened by shared family history from Cuba. How can they overcome feuds and toxic masculinity? This book contains many themes and is carefully written to express the characters' love of animal rescue and the hope for humans to evolve peaceful means of existence with each other and with nature.
June 27, 2025
This was gorgeous. I have not read a book in verse in a long time, but this book was so easy to devour and completely swept me away. The characters, oh my heart! Their passion vibrating throughout this book and really captured my heart. There are so many themes here, the feminism, the censorship and horrors inflicted on Cubans, the troubles of having to flee your home and settle somewhere new, the family drama and the complexities behind the anger. And of course young love; for each other and for the animals who have to rely on humans for help, after other humans put them in bad circumstances in the first place. I loved all that I learned about the animals and the passion the MCs had for them and their care. The emotions flowed so heavily from this book; it will stay with me for a long time.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
July 8, 2025
Island Creatures felt like a soft exhale. It’s not a loud or fast-moving story, but it’s the kind that settles into you quietly. Vida and Adán are both carrying some heavy emotional baggage, and watching them find each other again while helping injured animals… it just got to me. Their bond felt real; messy, tender, and rooted in shared pain and hope.
I don’t usually read novels in verse, but this one worked for me. The language is simple but lyrical, and the format gave it this dreamy, almost floaty feeling like I was drifting through their memories and emotions. At times, I did want to be a little closer to the characters, but I still felt the ache of what they were going through.
It’s a book about healing, not fixing. And it left me thinking about the quiet ways we show up for the people (and creatures) we love.
I don’t usually read novels in verse, but this one worked for me. The language is simple but lyrical, and the format gave it this dreamy, almost floaty feeling like I was drifting through their memories and emotions. At times, I did want to be a little closer to the characters, but I still felt the ache of what they were going through.
It’s a book about healing, not fixing. And it left me thinking about the quiet ways we show up for the people (and creatures) we love.
July 30, 2025
This book has a lot of promise, but it didn’t get there. It shouldn’t have been in verse first of all - there’s too much taken on here to do it all in verse format, or it needed more in each poem to clarify and expand on plot points. And with the many things going on, it’s too much - too many conflicts going on and too many people and worlds happening- and very few of them are wrapped up! There’s no ending to so many of these plot lines!
The concept of these two teens finding each other after being separated as children, of working in a zoo and saving animals, of finding their way past and through family traumas - yes. Loved the ideas. But then also adding in domestic violence and baseball career dreams and journalism and photography… it’s all gorgeous and great it’s but it’s a LOT.
This needed much more detail in spots and editing in others: but the ideas are there!
The concept of these two teens finding each other after being separated as children, of working in a zoo and saving animals, of finding their way past and through family traumas - yes. Loved the ideas. But then also adding in domestic violence and baseball career dreams and journalism and photography… it’s all gorgeous and great it’s but it’s a LOT.
This needed much more detail in spots and editing in others: but the ideas are there!
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December 12, 2025I was not expecting a novel-in-verse! I have been wanting to read more and more poetry, especially for the Sealey Challenge, so this was perfect.
I loved both Vida and Adan's perspectives, their love for animals and wildlife in general, and their budding romance.
This story tackles some sensitive/more challenging topics (Vida and Adan are Cuban refugees in Florida now, and they both have their own interpersonal struggles as well as the larger systems of inequality at play), but Margarita Engle wrote them with such care and compassion.
Really appreciated the author's note about how many zoo animals (more notably in the American South) are left behind during natural disasters. A great call in to us to only visit sanctuaries and zoos that prioritize animal wellbeing and rehabilitation, like the San Diego Zoo!
I read this in one sitting & highly recommend it <3
I loved both Vida and Adan's perspectives, their love for animals and wildlife in general, and their budding romance.
This story tackles some sensitive/more challenging topics (Vida and Adan are Cuban refugees in Florida now, and they both have their own interpersonal struggles as well as the larger systems of inequality at play), but Margarita Engle wrote them with such care and compassion.
Really appreciated the author's note about how many zoo animals (more notably in the American South) are left behind during natural disasters. A great call in to us to only visit sanctuaries and zoos that prioritize animal wellbeing and rehabilitation, like the San Diego Zoo!
I read this in one sitting & highly recommend it <3
July 1, 2025
This is the first time I've read a story told exclusively through verse which I enjoyed a lot. I absolutely loved Vida and Adán and reading about their love for animals and each other. Of course, their story wasn't all rainbows and butterflies as they had to deal with their feuding families and other outside influences. I also loved the animal facts and references that were included throughout the book.
My only complaint is that there were a few storylines that I felt didn't really get a proper conclusion. Despite that I'd definitely be interested in reading more of Margarita Engle's work and any other stories told through verse.
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
My only complaint is that there were a few storylines that I felt didn't really get a proper conclusion. Despite that I'd definitely be interested in reading more of Margarita Engle's work and any other stories told through verse.
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2025
I enjoy and admire everything that Margarita Engle writes, but I truly loved ISLAND CREATURES. Vida and Alán are wonderfully crafted characters with passionate dreams of rescuing animals, rekindling old flames, and falling in love. Engle adeptly weaves the sorry of two families resettling in the US, while struggling to heal from years of intergenerational emotional and physical trauma. The poetry captures the sweetness and depth of a Cuban chocolate forest, and the movement and rhythm of tropical birds in flight. I am once again reminded why Margarita Engle is one of my heroes and why I love verse novels.
May 30, 2025
Adan and Vida live in Cuba, rescuing animals and falling in love at a time when they were too young to understand it. Years later, they are living separate lives in Florida when they find each other again.
This novel in verse packs a punch, tackling more than one difficult topic in a beautiful way. I loved the love and respect for animals. The relationship between our two MCs was beautiful and strong, despite all the odds stacked against them. A quick read with lyrical writing.
"Human hands can be so hopeful but fists are always lonely."
This novel in verse packs a punch, tackling more than one difficult topic in a beautiful way. I loved the love and respect for animals. The relationship between our two MCs was beautiful and strong, despite all the odds stacked against them. A quick read with lyrical writing.
"Human hands can be so hopeful but fists are always lonely."
June 21, 2025
Thank you to Simon Teen for the ARC of Island Creatures by Margarita Engle. All opinions are my own.
Island Creatures is the first story I’ve read that was written in verse. It made for a unique reading experience. Because there were less words, I was able to read it quickly while still getting an interesting story.
I think maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I understood poetry better. The formatting and the specific words chosen didn’t always make sense to me, so I felt like I was missing out on something that I should’ve known.
What I loved about this book was reading about the animals and learning more about them. I’m a big animal lover, so this was my main reason for picking this book up. This aspect of the story did not disappoint.
I’m not sure if it’s because of the format or length of the novel, but in many ways this story felt incomplete. By the end of the book, I felt like I didn’t know or understand the main characters well at all. I also felt like the plot was kind of all over the place without explanation of how or why things happened.
Overall, this story was decent. I do think I would give novels written in verse another try because I didn’t mind this style of writing. Unfortunately, I don’t think this story will be very memorable for me down the road.
Island Creatures is the first story I’ve read that was written in verse. It made for a unique reading experience. Because there were less words, I was able to read it quickly while still getting an interesting story.
I think maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I understood poetry better. The formatting and the specific words chosen didn’t always make sense to me, so I felt like I was missing out on something that I should’ve known.
What I loved about this book was reading about the animals and learning more about them. I’m a big animal lover, so this was my main reason for picking this book up. This aspect of the story did not disappoint.
I’m not sure if it’s because of the format or length of the novel, but in many ways this story felt incomplete. By the end of the book, I felt like I didn’t know or understand the main characters well at all. I also felt like the plot was kind of all over the place without explanation of how or why things happened.
Overall, this story was decent. I do think I would give novels written in verse another try because I didn’t mind this style of writing. Unfortunately, I don’t think this story will be very memorable for me down the road.
July 3, 2025
Such a powerful novel-in-verse that touches on several topics against the backdrop of protecting animals.
This is a romance that survives generational trauma and residual effects of personal trauma. I love how Vida and Adán's story involved both of them being active in wildlife conservation. They are as vibrant as the animals they support.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
This is a romance that survives generational trauma and residual effects of personal trauma. I love how Vida and Adán's story involved both of them being active in wildlife conservation. They are as vibrant as the animals they support.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
July 5, 2025
Thank you NeTGalley for the arc. I was intrigued with this book when I read the synopsis. I really loved how this story was told in poem form that made it very interesting and emotional to read since it’s told in Vida and Avan’s POV in their journeys and their love of animals. As someone from the Caribbean, I understood the story and the importance of it. The Romeo and Juliet aspect was something that was really important in telling the story of Cuba’s history as someone who has been to Cuba.
January 3, 2025
Island Creatures is the story of Adan and Vida, two young folks who fall in love, despite their feuding families. This story, written in verse, has many animal references, as both work in zoos. I loved this novel, which contained poetry read to birds, a hurricane, and a devastating social issue. 5 stars! Release date: 7/8/25
July 6, 2025
Another stunning novel in verse from Margarita Engle! It also works as an incredible reading list with all of the books and poetry mentioned throughout. The free verse poetry heightens Vida and Adan's emotions, the spaces between the words lending power to their feelings. Recommended for grades 8 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
August 17, 2025
Engle writes beautifully about animals and nature in general. Having read several of her YA novels in verse, the characters tend to feel slightly underdeveloped/similar to me in some ways. I did appreciate that Vida’s story looked at sexual assault and discussed that attempted rape is also a crime. Some interesting discussion of feminism as well.
September 6, 2025
I love a novel-in-verse! This one is so hopeful with Vida and Adan finding themselves in Miami after feeling Cuba and still knowing the safety and familiarity of each other. It has been awhile since I have read a book about animal conservation. I also find so much joy in those people who sing and read to animals in attempt to bring them comfort.
August 15, 2025
Another very sweet installment of this semi-series. Is eco-romance a thing? Because this is it.
July 10, 2025
I loved that this was written in verse — it made the story feel quick-paced, lyrical, and totally unique.
Both main characters had such a strong connection with animals, especially endangered species, and I really appreciated how the story centered around protecting them.
There were a few parts I didn’t fully understand, and I felt a little disconnected at times, but overall it was a thoughtful and impactful read.
Thank you so much to Simon Teen & NetGalley for the e-book in exchange for my honest review! 💚
Both main characters had such a strong connection with animals, especially endangered species, and I really appreciated how the story centered around protecting them.
There were a few parts I didn’t fully understand, and I felt a little disconnected at times, but overall it was a thoughtful and impactful read.
Thank you so much to Simon Teen & NetGalley for the e-book in exchange for my honest review! 💚
December 11, 2025
This book in verse is about Cuban teens Vida and Adán working at a wildlife refuge. They knew each other as children and are now reunited. I liked that the story involved climate issues and wildlife, as both teens found their place in their work at the rescue center. I read this book in a day, as books in verse tend to be quite quick to read!
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