When Papi's plane crashes after takeoff from New York City, the world splits in two for two teenage girls. One living in NYC and the other living in the Dominican Republic.
Camino is waiting eagerly for her father's yearly visit to DR. The rest of the year he toils away in the United States to support Camino and her aunt Tia. The money he sends put food on the table, clothes on her back, and pay for the private school she hopes will help her earn her way into medical school some day.
When Papi doesn't arrive at the airport in DR, Camino learns that his flight, Flight 1112, crashed after takeoff. She staggers home where she and Tia wait for news of the crash.
In NYC Yahaira isn't sure how she feels about her father's yearly trip to DR. They have been having disagreements of late, and maybe some time away will help repair the rift in their relationship. Yahaira dearly loves her Papi, but ever since she stopped playing competitive chess, she can feel his disapproval.
When Yahaira and her mother receive the news of the plane crash, Yahaira grief is combined with guilt.
News that there were no survivors of the crash, crushes both girls. As the days pass, they attempt to deal with their loss. As Mami tries to comfort Yahaira, and Tia mourns with Camino, a terrible secret comes to light that explains Papi's yearly trips to and from the city and the island. Papi is the father of both girls, and now they must decide if and how it will change them as they carry on.
Author Elizabeth Acevedo has created an emotional novel in verse that will take readers on two journeys. Told in alternating voices, CLAP WHEN YOU LAND takes on the stories of two girls, almost twins, who must deal with the pain of loss and adjust to the possibilities of a new family.
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