Wings in the Wild

by Margarita Engle

This romantic contemporary novel-in-verse tells the love story of two teens fighting for climate action and human rights.

Winged beings are meant to be free. And so are artists, but the Cuban government has criminalized any art that doesn’t meet their approval. Soleida and her parents protest this injustice with their secret sculpture garden of chained birds. Then a hurricane exposes the illegal art, and her parents are arrested.

Soleida escapes to Central America alone, joining the thousands of Cuban refugees stranded in Costa Rica while seeking asylum elsewhere. There she meets Dariel, a Cuban American boy whose enigmatic music enchants birds and animals—and Soleida.

Together they work to protect the environment and bring attention to the imprisoned artists in Cuba. Soon they discover that love isn’t about falling—it’s about soaring together to new heights. But wings can be fragile, and Soleida and Dariel come from different worlds. They are fighting for a better future—and the chance to be together.

Genres: Poetry, Young Adult, Romance, Novel In Verse, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 18, 2023

About the author

Margarita 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.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't expect to dislike this one as much as I did. I've read a couple of Margarita Engle's other verse novels, both historical fiction set in Cuba, and really enjoyed them. I was curious to see what a verse novel was like in audiobook format. I can't say that I was impressed. Then again, I don't think I would've liked this book anyway, even if I'd read a copy.

Aside from being very hard to follow (which may simply be one of the limitations of the audio format here), the characters are flat, the story fizzles, and the whole thing gets very, very preachy. Dariel's anger over climate change is to the point of being off-putting, and a few times the narrative devolves into statistics and scolding. I almost wondered if this thing had been ghostwritten by Greta Thunberg.

Yes, deforestation is a problem. Yes, artists being persecuted in Cuba is awful. Yes, being a refugee must suck. Those are the things I really wanted to read about. Instead, we got a weak story with contrived relationship complications, a confusing timeline, anti-adult sentiment, and a little too much preaching about how the world is toast if we don't meet yet another arbitrary target for carbon-emission reductions (which will probably be pushed ahead another few years when we reach 2040 and we're not all dead).

If I read any other books by this author in the future, I'll be sticking to her historical fiction... and staying away from the audiobooks.

[Padma Venkatraman]

I can’t wait for this latest from my favorite author. I was privileged to receive a review copy of this upcoming release. Like many of her other award-winning books, this novel is written in multiple points of view and is set in Cuba. Soleida’s parents are artists, who have created a hidden sculpture garden to protest against artistic oppression. When a hurricane exposes their “illegal” art, they are imprisoned and Soleida is forced to flee. She is stranded in Costa Rica and hopes to find asylum elsewhere. Later, she meets Dariel, a Cuban American boy whose music has the uncanny ability to enchant birds and animals. The two of them fall in love and work together to protect the environment and bring attention to incarcerated Cuban artists - hoping that despite their uncertain future, they will be able to remain together. Written in spare yet lyrical language, this novel- like everything else Engle touches - lifts my hope and my heart.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a captivating YA novel in verse about two teens from different worlds who find a common cause and fall in love. I thoroughly enjoyed this world and the words the author used to bring the characters to life.

Told in alternating perspectives we get to know Soleida, a Cuban refugee who escapes to Central America when her activist parents are imprisoned for their illegal art. While there she meets Dariel, a Central American boy who finds joy in his music and fighting to protect endangered birds.

Strong messages of speaking out against oppression and environmental activism are laced throughout this opposites attract young adult romance and I loved every bit of it. This was great on audio narrated by Andre Bellido and Aida Reluzco and has a BEAUTIFUL cover! Highly, highly recommended.

[Samantha Matherne · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than the story, I actually liked the random pieces of history and current events I learned from this book as well as geographic locations like that of Kiribati Island and Darién Gap. Knowing political and climate refugees travel through Latin America to get to the US is not as powerful as hearing about some struggles they endure just for the possibility to reach the US. Solieda and Dariel give unique perspectives on the censorship issue in Cuba and on migrant crises, and I appreciate the ancestral and modern outlooks they each bring to the story. Books like this one could serve great for teaching about current world problems, because the situations related here affect us all in one way or another. Initially, the pacing of events jumping forward deterred me from enjoying the book, but I'm glad I stuck with it for the lessons and how each main character grew.

[Summer Gurganus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the writing is so beautiful. I am transported to these places instantly. As a romantasy fan, the poetry and level of emotion was *chef’s kiss.* Also I really appreciate the presentation and dissection of struggle and devastation without being traumatized myself. I can’t wait to read more by her.

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Fans of Margarita Engle will get exactly what they expect and hope for in this latest installment: a tightly packed, lush verse novel that transports readers right to a specific location and makes us feel nearly as if we are characters ourselves.

Soleida and Dariel share perspectives as well as keen interests in the climate crisis and each other. As is the case with all of Engle's works that I've read, the verse is mindfully managed and spare but emotionally evocative, and this style works so well for the amount of passion these characters have. A favorite element here is that while these characters are interested in each other, their passion for the environment and for the future far outweighs any personal (i.e., romantic/sexual) concerns they may have. The commentary is clear but does not dip into the didactic, which I think will appeal greatly to a contemporary audience. Messaging relating to the power of young minds and votes - versus those of folks who don't care because, frankly, they just assume they'll be gone by the time "real" consequences appear is particularly moving.

I really enjoy Engle's work in general, but in terms of the subject matter, this most recent effort really stands out. I'm already looking forward to recommending it to students as a quick read and an engaging perspective on climate and culture.

*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.

[Terry Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margarita Engle’s Wings in the Wild is a gift. I was a city Cuban, and in the time I spent in Cuba before coming to the US at age 12, I honestly didn’t leave the city. The birds that I saw were not all that inspiring. But Margarita has given me the gift of getting to know my island home’s wild places, in vivid detail, as if I was indeed there. Her story takes place in Costa Rica, but comparisons to Cuba abound. It’s as if the reader is in a parallel universe where the flora and fauna of Costa Rica are faithful standbys for those of our beloved island. And then there’s the story. Dariel, the rich boy from the states visiting Costa Rica meeting the artists’ daughter, separated from parents who are charged by the government of illicit sculpting and taken. Soleidad, exiled from Cuba, flies alone to Venezuela to find a cousin who is already trying to find her way to asylum. Coyotes/guides strand them and leave them to die after taking their money. After surviving a flood which kills her cousin Soleidad finally makes it to Costa Rica where she is allowed space in a migrant camp. The seed of their love blooms among his music and her painting and their love of the birds and plants of Costa Rica. Which would be enough, except there’s more—the effects of climate change are layered over the story and sound the alarm along with the human rights abuses and incarceration of artists in Cuba for practicing their art. It is a truly memorable novel in verse. I loved every page. At least twice.

[Froilan Bustos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Alas Salvajes" (Wings in the Wild) is a vibrant exploration of the natural world, focusing mainly on birds' diverse and fascinating lives in their natural habitats. Through beautifully crafted prose, the book educates readers on the behavior, migration patterns, and ecological importance of various bird species. It plants a deep appreciation for biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation efforts. The vivid descriptions and accompanying illustrations bring the avian world to life, making it an engaging read for young enthusiasts and seasoned ornithologists.

"Alas Salvajes" can serve as a cornerstone for interdisciplinary learning in the classroom. It could inspire creative writing assignments, where students imagine the world from the perspective of a bird species discussed in the book, fostering empathy and a deeper connection to nature. Science lessons can delve into the specifics of bird anatomy, adaptation, and conservation issues highlighted in the text, encouraging students to engage in research projects or citizen science initiatives. Art projects could also stem from the book's imagery, with students creating their illustrations or sculptures of birds, exploring the diversity of forms and colors. Overall, "Alas Salvajes" offers a treasure trove of educational opportunities, seamlessly blending literary and scientific inquiry with artistic expression.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hit you repeatedly over the head about my cause kind of book.
But it doesn’t just pick one cause to bash you with. Nope, we need multiple affronts so that every page you’re getting drilled about climate change and deforestation and immigration and freedom of speech and refuges and eco warriors and so on and so on. The list is exhaustive. It’s a bit much, and it is so very preachy.
The romance is here was good once it was established, but with the missing time periods it felt like we didn’t get to see why they fell in love, just that they did. I liked the history and the backdrop, but it is just so very in your face about everything.

[Lio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and bittersweet. Other readers may find the discussions around environmentalism and immigration to be a bit too on-the-nose, but I personally found it a good balance of feelings and facts for this story.

I don't normally read novels in verse, but Soldeida and Dariel's stories reading as poetry felt justified. Both protagonists express themselves best through more artistic means than plain narration.

[Kimberlyyyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margarita Engle is truly one of my favorite YA poets. Her work is incredibly heart touching and educational.

Love is the fuel for the fight. This story is one of Immigration, Wildlife, Political prisoners, Climate Crisis, and the beauty of all forms of art.

A very important read to understanding the concept of censorship in the arts.

Truly such an incredible book that needs to be SHARED.

[Book Buying With Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will rea anything with Margarita Engle's name on it. She has a knack for finding stories that NEED to be told. Also--this one was about BIRDS!

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Alright, I just think it took on too much so it left the characters a bit flat.

[Laura Slabach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I have never looked real closely into the history and issues in Cuba but this book makes it so easy to get drawn in to the beauty of hardship faced by it's people. This book is written in verse which makes it a quick and easy read but my no means less powerful. The focus not only on the refugee problems we are facing along with the environmental often made me forget that this book takes place in 2018/19. It was incredibly, if not more, relevant to what we are experiencing in our world today. This book is one that will stick with me for a long time.

I would like to thank NetGalley for supplying a free e-title of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet character vignette story in verse. Both characters are deeply involved in the climate crisis and come from very different backgrounds. It all feels very timely.

[Dayle (the literary llama) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margarita Engle proves with her verse that you don’t need sweeping narrative to tell an impactful story. A colorful and artistic portrait on climate, culture, family, refugees, and passion. This youthful perspective, while adding in a bit of love story, gives beautiful imagery and highlights uncomfortable injustice. It’s a coming of age told in sharp and short poetic bursts. Highly recommend.

* I received a free early copy from the publisher

[Darya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Нетипова для YA-сегменту річ за формою: це роман у віршах-верлібрах.

Історія фокалізується через двох підлітків (поперемінно, але й разом, коли вони поступово усвідомлюють себе як пару, яка переживає світ разом). Солейда - дочка митців з Куби, заарештованих за творчість, яка суперечить партійному регламенту. Вона втекла у Венесуелу, звідки пішки з групою біженців вирушила у Північну Америку, хоча і пам'ятає імен і контактів розкиданих по різних країнах родичів, що емігрували раніше. Даріел знаходить Солейду в таборі для біженців у Коста-Ріці. Його родина теж колись покинула Кубу і провела довший час у Коста-Ріці, перш ніж потрапити до США, де його батьки досягли зіркового успіху. Поступово вони вибудовують довіру одне до одного, розуміючи, що попри разючі відмінності у статусі (біженка без документів vs. син багатіїв-акторів, який тікає від папараці), мають близькі цінності.

Що ж до цінностей, за які варто боротися? - тут вибудовується континуум між протистоянням утискам свободи слова, зокрема мистецького висловлювання, і захистом довкілля і загрожених видів. Що диктатори, які прагнуть обмежити свободу людей, також залюбки знищують і природу, це геть не новина, але оскільки це поезія, то зв'язок існує ще й на метафоричному рівні: вільна мистецька думка - вільний літ пташок тощо. Знову ж таки, не те щоб зовсім нова ідея у світовому мистецтві - ототожнювати свободу з птахами, які можуть собі вільно куди хочуть летіти - але тут це ще й набуває не тільки метафоричного, а й предметного значення, оскільки йдеться про захист загрожених видів.

І оскільки, як можна побачити з моїх останніх рецензій, мене останнім часом дещо цікавлять птахи, то тут було дуже приємно побачити, що ці метафори для мене уже про щось говорять, тобто я принаймні уявляю деякі згадувані види. Серйозно, коли я востаннє щось подібне читала, це був Pale Fire Набокова на якийсь курс, тоді всі англійські назви птахів, яких там дуже багато, для мене просто були не пов'язаними з денотатом словами. Тепер готовності відчитувати пташину метафорику у мене більше. Хоча паралельно, я впевнена, справа і в тому, що авторка тут все-таки набагато більше зусиль доклала до того, щоб її текст комунікував з читачем, а не був герметичним, як у Набокова. Дивно, звісно, порівнювати такі різні речі, між якими насправді нічого спільного, окрім використання образів птахів метафорично у поезії. "Крила на волі" не претендують бути високою літературою, і я зовсім не хочу сказати, що це дуже формально-цікава поезія. Але, я впевнена, світу потрібно більше книжок, які надихають підлітків робити світ кращим місцем... Що ж до герметичних постмодерних творів - ну хай існують, чи що, я ж не диктатор з Куби, щоб говорити, що якомусь мистецтву не варто існувати.

Окремо приємно було, що моєї іспанської достатньо вже, щоб розуміти рясні вкраплення в англомовному тексті, а не перестрибувати при читанні як абракадабру.

[Geno · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ★
---
"Wings in the Wild" es un libro particular. Tiene un lindo mensaje y una prosa interesante, pero no es para todos.

La historia está contada en dos puntos de vista distintos -Soleida y Dariel- y cómo se van entrelazando. Es un recurso que funciona, y genera un buen balance entre los protagonistas.

En lo personal, la narración en verso me gustó. Le da personalidad al libro.
Esperaba más foco en el romance, sin embargo, disfruté del contexto social que nos presenta la historia.

Siento que abarca muchos temas (inmigración, refugiados, ecología, arte, revolución, etc), en poca profundidad. Haciendo que se lea como YA.

No es una mala lectura, pero queda corta. Probablemente, un público más joven lo disfrute más.
---

"Wings in the Wild" is a very particular book. It has a nice message and interesting prose, but it's not for everyone.

The story is told from two POVs: Soleida and Dariel. It works, both protagonists have enough time to shine and feel like real people.

I liked the in-verse narration. But I was expecting more focus on the romance so I felt a little disappointed.
However, I liked that this book covers important topics, even if it is at a surface level (immigration, refugees, ecology, art, revolution, etc.).

Overall, it's not a bad read, but it falls short. A younger audience will probably enjoy it more than me.

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really great. The story was easy to understand and I liked the writing style. Definitely points to very real issues that are happening today

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
Margarita Engle's books always manage to leave me inspired to brush up on latin american history & more contemporary subjects through her writing. Told in verse, Engle's YA romance follows Soledia + Dariel as they tackle environmentalism, among other topical discussions through an artistic lens! With its lasting nature imagery in addition to well thought out characters, its a fast-paced book that's hopeful and illuminates an urgent call to climate change!

The story is told from the perspective of Soledia, a painter whose grown up in Cuba all her life and follows in her artistic parents footsteps, protecting their sculpture garden from Cuban policies that prohibit particular forms of artistic expression. When her parents garden gets discovered and they're arrested, Soledia is forced to flee to Costa Rica where she feels powerless to help and alone.

Dariel is the second POV of which we follow the story and from an affluent upbringing in California, and son of famous actors, Cuban-American Dariel is a musician whose guitar attracts animals no matter what he plays, finds himself travels to Costa Rica alongside his grandfather after wildfires destroy his home. While he visits, he & Soledia discover their shared passion for the arts, and help the local forests + endangered species in the process. I liked how Engle tackled this view of climate change through two characters from the Cuban diaspora.

Through Engle's writing, the storytelling navigates so much from points in Cuban history to how it connects to contemporary events that impact artistic freedoms, climate change & the environment as well as activism, wrapped up in a slow-building relationship. I enjoy how Engle's writing brings such a sharp call to action and passion throughout her work! Though at its hear Engle paints a clear message at how art and is a way of reclaiming one's voice.

Nature imagery is used so successfully here and it not only builds the natural beauty of latin america (specifically cuba & costa rica), but also the native wildlife and flora (many of which I'd never heard of before)--which showcases its beauty in a way that brought me so much joy! There's many moments within the novel where Engle successfully highlights the birds specifically and various plants native to those regions in detailed descriptions.

The pacing is never drags and each poem genuinely balances both points-of-view with the topics it covers, though upon the initial beginning it can feel like Soledia's journey to how she finds refuge in Costa Rica felt rather rushed, as well as the days that pass between them seeming to pass in a blur. Though once the story finds its rhythm, the author uses unique poem styles to highlight the emotional tones of the story and the mc's. At times though, that's my issue with fiction told in verse, it leaves me wanting more detail to build up the plot threads and characters amid the fast pacing!

Engle's novels often leave the reader with an inspiring call to action, while also being a love letter to her passion for exploring Cuban culture + history.

Wings In The Wild is a heartfelt novel in verse about art, activism and tackling various topics, Engle successfully leaves the story full of hopefulness!

[Olivia Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margarita Engle’s poetic novel Wings in the Wild follows two teenagers, Soleida and Dariel, whose lives come together through art, activism, and their fight for freedom. The story begins with Soleida being forced to flee her home after the government targets her artwork, and Dariel returning to his family’s homeland after living abroad. When their paths cross, they form a connection through their shared love of nature and their desire to stand up against injustice. Engle’s main goal is to show how creativity and nature can help people resist political oppression, even when the situation feels overwhelming. The book is written for young adults, particularly those who are passionate about social justice, environmental issues, and self-discovery. Throughout the story, Engle employs poetry to explore themes such as hope, resilience, and how even small actions, like painting a mural or saving an injured bird, can push back against unfair systems. She also highlights how young people can make a difference even when adults or governments try to silence them.
Engle develops these ideas with strong imagery and emotional moments that make the characters feel real. Soleida's murals become a symbol of standing up to an authoritarian government, while Dariel’s music connects him to his family’s past and inspires him to keep fighting. These artistic details help show that expression is not only personal but also political and powerful. Engle’s writing style makes serious topics like government control, imprisonment, and migration feel more personal and easier to understand. She also uses the natural world, especially birds, as symbols of freedom and survival, which adds another layer to the story. By switching between Soleida’s and Dariel’s perspectives, she shows that activism can look different for everyone but still move toward the same goal of freedom.
Overall, Wings in the Wild is a meaningful and inspiring book that shows how creativity and courage can survive even in difficult situations. Engle’s poetic writing and strong themes make the story memorable and emotional, and the characters’ determination makes the book feel hopeful even when the events are intense. I would rate this book four and a half out of five stars because of its expressive writing, powerful storytelling, and its hopeful message about the power of art and activism.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

2018: Teen refugees from two different worlds. Soleida, the bird girl, is fleeing an oppressive Cuban government who has arrested her parents, protesters of artistic liberty, their hidden chained-bird sculptures exposed during a hurricane; she is stranded in a refugee camp in Costa Rica after walking thousands of miles toward freedom. Dariel is fleeing from a life in California where he plays music that communicates with wild animals but also where he and his famous parents are followed by paparazzi and his life is planned out, complete with Ivy League university. When a wildfire burns his fingertips, he decides to go with his Cuban Abuelo to interview los Cubanos de Costa Rica for his book. And then he decides to stay to study the environment.

When Soleida and Dariel meet, he helps her feel joy—and the right to feel joy—again, and they fall in love, combining their shared passions for art and music, artistic freedom, and eco-activism into a human rights and freedom-of-expression campaign to save Soleida’s parents and other Cuban artists and to save the endangered wildlife and the forests through a reforestation project. This soulful story, beautifully and lyrically written by the 2017-19 Poetry Foundation's Young People's Poet Laureate Margarita Engle is not as much a story of romance but of a combined calling to save the planet and the soul of the people—art. Soleida and Dariel join my Tween and Teen Justice & Change Seekers whose stories are reviewed in https://www.literacywithlesley.com/ju....

WINGS OF THE WILD also reintroduces two of my favorite characters, Liana and Amado [search my review of YOUR HEART—MY SKY], who “became local heroes by teaching everyone how to farm during the island’s most tragic time of hunger.” (5) This is the 10th Margarita Engle verse novel (and memoirs) that I have read and recommended and from which I have learned about Cuban history.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve never read one of Margarita Engle’s novels in verse, you are missing poetic beauty. Her newest title, Wings In The Wild, is going to be one of my top five of her titles. It begins in 2018 and ends in October of 2019. It is told in the alternating voices of Soleida, a young woman (16) living in Cuba and Dariel, a Cuban American teen (16) living in California. Sometimes they speak together.

In Cuba artists are labeled criminals unless the government approves the art. Soleida and her parents have a secret sculpture garden hidden behind walls. The sculptures are of chained birds. Soleida is the model for some of the sculptures.

Dariel is a gifted musician. His guitar, made by his abuelo when he still lived in Cuba, and his voice have the ability to attract birds and animals. It is as if he is one with the natural world.

These two teens are brought together by climate disasters. A hurricane destroys the home of Soleida and her parents, exposing their sculptures. Her parents are arrested and she barely escapes, becoming a refugee in Costa Rica. A wildfire destroys Dariel and his telenovela star parent’s home. After a call to Abuelo in Miami, Dariel and his grandfather head to Costa Rica so his grandfather can work on his book.

This book presents the harsh realities of refugees’ travel and survival and our environmental crisis. The descriptions of each situation in which Soleida and Dariel find themselves are breathtaking. As their affection for each other grows, it is presented with pure tenderness. Not only is their affection for each other growing, but they both desire to commit to improving the environment. There is heartbreak depicted here but hope buoyed by love wins.

At the end is a three-page author’s note and acknowledgments.

[D.T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful cover! I liked reading a story set primarily in Costa Rica (and later Cuba). The story has a mixture of lightheartedness while dealing with such serious situations, climate migrants and deforestation.

Dariel’s the son of celebrities and has a magical voice. I adored the fact he has like a Disney princess voice with the way animals flock to him whenever he sings. It felt like a bit of magical realism, which I love.

Soleida has been uprooted and left hurting, living as a recent refugee. She no longer has an anchor and continually worries about her parents’ safety. It felt unclear to me, but but Vivi was either lost at sea or died. Most likely the latter, but I don’t know.

I thought the insta-lovey connection between Dariel and Soleida made sense. They’re teenagers who think they’ve found someone who understands them. The smiles and kisses followed quickly. Despite this, I didn’t feel anything toward them. The characters felt flat, and I don’t know if that’s attributed to them or just the story being in verse. But I’ve connected to characters written in verse before.

The ending is farfetched (this is a gauge for your cynicism), but everything is wrapped up nicely with a bow. This is Hallmark-level cute and ends with a unique, probing question.

[La Crescent Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased as part of a donation in memory of Virginia Dockweiler, Wings in the Wild is a beautiful, heart-wrenching lyric novel about two teens from Cuba.

Longtime library supporter, Ginny, loved music and working with students. This young adult novel by bestselling, award winning author Margarita Engle, uses alternating points of view to share how two teens help each other through hard times using art and music.

Both displaced due to natural disasters, Dariel and Soleida, find solace in one another and through their art. Soleida's parents have been arrested under Cuba's art ban for creating sculptures of chained birds. Soleida becomes an emblem of freedom and creativity as she works to have her parents released. Dariel finds refuge in his culture through ancestral songs played on the guitar his grandfather made from the trees in their hometown. His sweet songs attract animals of all kinds while he plays. He hopes to change the world by making the environment safer for the many birds and animals who depend on it.

Through their friendship and art, both teens find purpose and ways to move forward.

~ Jess

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closer to a 3.5. Loved the writing. I mean it was really gorgeous poetry. But honestly that's about it.

The book is heavy on environmentalism, but the blurb made it sound sort of like a side note? I didn't expect the entire book to just be about saving the planet. It felt less about the main characters and more about climate change/reforestation. Maybe it would be different if it was written in prose, but I had a hard time focusing on the connection between the characters when it was constantly about the environment. (Again, im not against saving the planet and planting trees, but I just expected it to be a little less relevant to the plot and more centered on the characters).

I did like learning more about Cuba and the wildlife there and in Costa Rica. The connection between the macaw's and the main characters was clever. But i don't know, I just felt like the book was lacking in something.. genuine for me. Still, the writing was stunning, and I have to give the author major props for that.

[Eliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wings in the Wild
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ .5 (2.5/5)

This book was so disappointing. The premise sounded really interesting but the execution was not great. While I usually enjoy in-verse books, this felt very stilted. I feel like it would have been more impactful to have the extra details that prose would've provided because I just felt lost most of the time. There was also very little background on the characters so we jumped in and immediately they both had to deal with natural disasters. The romance also just... felt kind of forced in a way? Like, I got that they felt they had chemistry, but I was not getting said chemistry. I also never felt like I got a clear picture, of anything really, but particularly of the ways in which Solaida and Dariel were planning to help with the climate crisis, aside from planting trees (which, while still admirably, didn't seem like quite enough for the grand ideas they were spouting about how much the world needs to address these problems). Overall, this was very lackluster for me. I was hoping for more and I never got it. :/

[Jess Witkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and learned so much about Cuba and its history. I had no idea how vast the number of refugees was or the wide diaspora of where they live/are stranded.

The book alternates points of view between two teens, one privileged but displaced due to a fire - Dariel, the other working class and forced to flee due to a hurricane - Soleida. The book also introduces the politics at play in the country and a newer policy that bans any kind of dissenting art. Soleida's parents end up imprisoned due to the hidden sculptures they create of chained birds that are exposed when the hurricane sweeps through. Dariel's grandfather is collecting stories of displaced Cubans, but has to make the choice of whether he will share the stories or move back to his home country.

It's a timely novel that educates the reader (if you're not familiar with Cuba's refugees or political threats). With book bans waging war in the U.S., this lyrical novel covers art bans and economic struggles of its own people in an incredibly touching way.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the artwork on the cover and I think for teens that are open to reading novels in verse, this can be a great entry point into thinking about the environment with the lure of it being a romance book. With that being said I felt the plot/details were easy to lose while listening to the audiobook (usually I have no problems multitasking but I found with this one I kept having to rewind because I had NO idea what was happening) and I think this story would have benefited from being written in prose and/or being longer so that readers were given more details and events were given more depth and breadth. But I agree with Katie, the writing is beautiful.

Andrew Bellido and Aida Reluzco do a great job with the audiobook narration and I like being able to hear both of them in the parts where the characters speak together. I do wish the audiobook included Dariel's music though I understand why it doesn't/can't.

[Tierney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was difficult to follow as it follows two different characters points of view through the form of poetry and verse. Well, we have two different characters in their points of the. The author also strings along other character stories into the mix, making it more difficult to understand what is happening to the to main characters. The novel is divided and month and date markers make it more easy to understand how the story progresses but at the same time it’s difficult to see when major events happen that are not explained, for instance, the two main characters meet but it’s not described. While the important topics of climate change and government interference and the refugee experience is addressed, It’s difficult to talk about such important topics and the form of verse without important details being lost because the emotions and feelings are overtaken with the characters of love story.