Readers who enjoy The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros or Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson would appreciate Enchanted Air by Margarita Engle. Ideal for young adults and poetry lovers, it appeals to those interested in memoirs, cultural identity, and lyrical narratives.

Enchanted Air by Margarita Engle is widely praised for its beautiful, poetic prose and its poignant portrayal of a bicultural childhood during the Cold War. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and lyrical quality of the memoir, though some feel the historical context could be more thoroughly explored. Overall, it is celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and vivid imagery.

In Enchanted Air, Margarita Engle recounts her biracial identity journey during Cuba's Civil War and the Cold War, highlighting her experiences of family separation, cultural dislocation, and political tension while navigating life between Cuba and the United States. Sensitive topics include historical conflict, identity struggles, and emotional stress.

Nostalgic / Emotional / Hopeful / Contemplative

- Enchanted Air is a memoir in verse by Margarita Engle, capturing her complex feelings about living between the U.S. and Cuba during the Cold War, which reflects her own dual heritage.
- The book won the 2016 Pura Belpré Author Award, recognizing its outstanding portrayal of Latino culture.
- Margarita Engle is the first Latino author to receive the prestigious Newbery Honor, awarded in 2009 for her book The Surrender Tree.

**NARRATOR (THE AUTHOR)**  
The narrator and main protagonist of the memoir, who is intelligent and studious, experiences feelings of isolation and insecurity due to her diverse background and explores themes of nature and poetry. She grapples with cultural identity and belonging throughout her journey.

**MAMI**  
The author’s Cuban mother, who maintains her Cuban citizenship, embodies themes of bravery and courage while dealing with her status as a "stateless" individual. Her relationship with the author highlights small acts of bravery and their close bond.

**DAD**  
The author's Ukrainian American father, an artist and professor, is a less frequent presence but influences themes of travel and cultural dichotomy through his "wanderlust" and quixotic nature.

**ABUELITA**  
The author’s Cuban grandmother symbolizes family and cultural connection, providing a contrast between Cuban and American customs. Her letters offer the author insight into the political situation in Cuba and support the author's personal growth.

Margarita Engle

Middle grade

Memoir in Verse

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Enchanted Air Summary and Study Guide

Background

Enchanted Air Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Love at First Sight, Valentine’s Day, 1947” - Part 2: “Magical Travels, 1951-1959”

Parts 1-2

Enchanted Air Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Winged Summer, 1960”

Part 3 Enchanted Air Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Strange Sky, 1961-1964”

Part 4 Enchanted Air Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Two Wings, 1965”

Part 5-Author’s Note

Enchanted Air Part 5-Author’s Note Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Enchanted Air Key Figures

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Themes

Enchanted Air Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Enchanted Air Symbols & Motifs

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Enchanted Air Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

Enchanted Air Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Enchanted Air Essay Topics

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings

Before You Read

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