Acevedo's poetic style is truly unique and masterful; having never read anything by her before, I didn't expect it and was initially concerned with how it would work in telling an action-orientated plot of a family grappling with the aftershocks of a plane crash and the loss of a family member. But it did work; the poetic style slowed the plot down, relating the immobilising feeling of grief that the characters were feeling. The change in pace complimented elements of the story; the quickening of certain sections demonstrating the anxiety of the characters, the reverse highlighting their shock. The characters themselves are excellent within this book; the way that Acevedo manages to construct them so fully without the usual literary props such as descriptive passages is truly astounding. Acevedo manages to draw in so many important topics - climate change, displacement, race, xenophobia, capitalism, police brutality, pride, colourism - and explores these in nuanced detail through the lived experience of her complicated and perfectly imperfect cast of characters. This book is a feat in itself and a testament to Acevedo's writing ability. It is also important in highlighting the above topics and serving as a platform for learning. With its poignant description of the journey of grief to acceptance and hope, this book could also be an important solace for anyone struggling with loss - which sadly is more likely now than ever.