Reviews

You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh

sci_mom's review against another edition

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fast-paced

4.5

booksicle's review against another edition

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5.0

This book has earned its way onto my favorite books of 2023, and it's no surprise why. Written by 12 asian-american authors about young asian-americans that intersect in one Chicago airport, this book is a wonderful and entertaining read that I think adults and middle grade readers alike are going to enjoy.

There's so much diversity in this book: autistic characters, Jewish characters, characters from all different background converging in 12 interlacing stories that deal with standing up for themselves, finding their voices, and above all: discovering what it means to be American. This book has many themes of racism and many of the characters struggle with fitting in. Whether this be because they became Americans when they were younger, or have lived here their entire lives and struggle with their identity. This is a wonderful parallel between each of them, and it shows the sense of community and understanding each of the characters have with each other throughout each one.

These 12 amazing writers came together to write an enticing short story collection that have so many themes that work beautifully together. Reading about the characters through their thoughts, and then seeing them viewed by another character in the next story is a treat I would love to see more of! The mention of Garretts, and the love and connection the last story created with it, made my Chicago heart so happy!

This is going to end up on my recommendations list for years to come!

aimzthereader's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

rubiojiayou23's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

book_nut's review against another edition

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3.5

I like connected short stories so much better than regular ones!

mpplys's review against another edition

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3.5

+ interconnected short stories, set in Chicago, O'Hare references, multicultural cast
- story not that memorable
?
-there is a big error

Who is this book for?
Give this book to kids who like..... RR 

andrearbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a wonderful story collection that explored the experience of young Asian Americans in real and unexpected ways. You see, this entire collection takes place in an airport. Twelve young people find themselves at the airport for one reason or another. There are threads that connect each tale, but there is also a unique experience in each one. It's heartbreaking and beautiful, full of challenge and opportunity, and it gives a true window into what these lived experiences are like. Stories like this are so important to read, and I'm so glad this collection now exists. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this March 2023 release!

yvesdot's review against another edition

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5.0

I had a wonderful time following all the threads in this one! You Are Here brings together twelve authors to write twelve stories about twelve Asian-American kids in an airport, all with their own perspective on what's going down. With stories about speaking out and standing up for both yourself and others in the face of all manner of both well-meaning and malevolent racism, this book will leave you feeling both warmed and inspired.

stacywill8's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

dlberglund's review against another edition

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5.0

Fantastic collection of interlocking stories all taking place at the Chicago airport on a stormy day. It is completely contemporary, and has each kid addressing or handling examples of microaggressions and fully aggressive racism while they're just trying to make their flights. The kids (mostly middle school age) are coming and going and trying to figure out their place in their worlds, and it all works so well together.