In this acclaimed novel from Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly, two sisters from the Philippines, abandoned by their father and living in impoverished circumstances in Louisiana, fight to make their lives better.

School Library Journal called The Land of Forgotten Girls “A charming and affecting novel about sisterhood, the magic of imagination, and perseverance.” For readers of Pam Muñoz Ryan, Rita Williams-Garcia, and anyone searching for the true meaning of family. Winner of a Parents’ Choice Gold Award.

Soledad has always been able to escape into the stories she creates. Just like her mother always could. And Soledad has needed that escape more than ever in the five years since her mother and sister died, and her father moved Sol and her youngest sister from the Philippines to Louisiana. After her father leaves, all Sol and Ming have is their evil stepmother, Vea. Sol has protected Ming all this time, but then Ming begins to believe that Auntie Jove—their mythical, world-traveling aunt—is really going to come rescue them. Can Sol protect Ming from this impossible hope?

Acclaimed and award-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly writes masterfully about the challenges of finding hope in impossible circumstances, in this novel that will appeal to fans of Cynthia Kadohata and Thanhha Lai.

Booklist said, “Kelly’s sophomore novel is both hopeful and heartfelt, but strong emotions are only part of the successful equation here. Told in Sol’s true voice, the direct dialogue brings the diverse characters to vivid life.”

Unbreakable Sisterhood: Sol will do anything to protect her little sister Ming, even from her own impossible dreams of a mythical aunt coming to save them.
The Power of Imagination: When reality is too grim, Sol escapes into the stories her mother used to tell, creating a world where forgotten girls can still find magic.
An Emotional Immigrant Story: After being moved from the Philippines to a rundown Louisiana apartment, Sol and Ming must navigate a new life of poverty under the cruel watch of their stepmother, Vea.
Finding Hope and Family: A poignant middle grade novel about resilience, discovering the true meaning of family, and holding onto hope even when it seems lost forever.