Reader Score
87%
87% of readers
recommend this book
A powerful and engaging exploration of contemporary Asian American identity through interwoven stories set in a teeming Chicago airport, written by award-winning and bestselling East and Southeast Asian American authors including Linda Sue Park, Grace Lin, Erin Entrada Kelly, Traci Chee, and Ellen Oh. Flying Lessons meets Black Boy Joy.
***Six Starred Reviews!***
"Reminds us that a more functional, less ailing America requires not just the courage to speak but the courage to listen."--New York Times Book Review
"Not only important, but essential."--School Library Journal, Starred Review
An incident at a TSA security check point sows chaos and rumors, creating a chain of events that impacts twelve young Asian Americans in a crowded and restless airport. As their disrupted journeys crisscross and collide, they encounter fellow travelers--some helpful, some hostile--as they discover the challenges of friendship, the power of courage, the importance of the right word at the right time, and the unexpected significance of a blue Stratocaster electric guitar.
Twelve powerhouse Asian American authors explore themes of identity and belonging in the entwined experiences of young people whose family roots may extend to East and Southeast Asia, but who are themselves distinctly American.
Written by Linda Sue Park, Erin Entrada Kelly, Grace Lin, Traci Chee, Mike Chen, Meredith Ireland, Mike Jung, Minh Lê, Ellen Oh, Randy Ribay, Christina Soontornvat, and Susan Tan, and edited by Ellen Oh.
Ellen Oh is the cofounder of We Need Diverse Books and author of the award-winning Spirit Hunters series for middle grade readers and the Prophecy trilogy (Prophecy, Warrior, and King) for young adults. Originally from New York City, Ellen is a former adjunct college instructor and lawyer with an insatiable curiosity for ancient Asian history. Ellen lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with her husband and three children and has yet to satisfy her quest for a decent bagel. You can visit her online at ellenoh.com.
"Reminds us that a more functional, less ailing America requires not just the courage to speak but the courage to listen." -- New York Times Book Review
"Not only important, but essential." -- School Library Journal (starred review)
"An intersectionally diverse, multifaceted collaboration that's artfully conceived and executed." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Compelling and nuanced." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Consistently engaging and rewarding." -- Booklist (starred review)
"Vividly illustrates the talents of a diverse group of creators as well as the rich and varied range of Asian American experiences and identities." -- BookPage (starred review)
"Compassionate and compelling." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)