Reviews

You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh

kelseyrictor's review against another edition

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

4.0

andeez's review against another edition

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5.0

This collection of connecting short stories was 5-star incredible. It's really hard to believe each was written by a different author, the stories melded so well. Each character had so much depth in just a few pages.

The Asian-American life isn't one size fits all. Unfortunately, while each kid deals with regular kid problems, racism is added on. These brilliant stories capture cultures from different countries...and cultures that people assume one is associated with.

I highly recommend for all ages - seriously, adults. You need to read this, too.

sara_hudson's review against another edition

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4.0

Lives up to my high expectations. I love the way the disparate authors were able to weave the stories together while maintaining separate voices. I also love how the different Asian cultures are presented as distinct - I learned a lot.

My favorite part how the authors show that one event (the awful lady in the pink sweater) can ripple through so many people's lives. I hope young readers give that theme some deep thought. I know I will.

retiredlibrarylady's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely the best book I've read this year! A real tour de force that is the debut book for Allida, an imprint of Harper Collins. Linda Sue Park is the curator of Allida and one of the contributors to this amazing collection of twelve interconnecting stories, all set in O'Hare airport. The twelve authors collaborated on the stories so that the characters in each story have some, usually brief, interaction with characters in another. This was a new literary device to me, and a very successful one.
The young people who populate these stories are all East or Southeast Asian Americans, as are the authors. Each story deals with adolescent concerns (especially about family and friends) and also racism towards AAPI people, particularly since the start of the pandemic. However, the conclusion is that many Americans are supportive of these co-citizens and will support them when needed.

jebecky's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0


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smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a GREAT middle grade #ownvoices anthology that takes place in a Chicago International airport and features a cast of incredibly diverse Asian American characters.

I really enjoyed this on audio narrated by a full cast and was impressed by the unique experiences represented. From children of divorced parents, children of immigrants, to neurodiverse families, interfaith (Jewish) families and so much more! The book also doesn't shy away from addressing anti-Asian racism in its many forms and challenges so many stereotypes. A refreshing, must-read!

Highly recommended, especially for fans of authors like Kelly Yang or the book Grounded, another middle grade collaboration published this year featuring different Muslim American authors that also takes place in an airport.

CW: anti-Asian racism

reading_giraffe's review against another edition

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Like any collection, this book had highs and lows but overall was pretty solid in its message

thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition

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5.0

Twelve Asian American authors collaborate on one amazing MG book!

mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition

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5.0

I listened to the audiobook (thank you Libro.fm) and it was amazing. I am not usually a fan of short stories, but this collection was so connected and each story had its own voice, that I couldn't get enough. I loved seeing the connections among the characters and how each learned more about themselves and stood up to racism.

eboc2024's review against another edition

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4.0

Wonderful story written by 12 Asian American authors, who each write interwoven chapters about the experiences of characters stuck in a Chicago airport at the same time. The story focuses on different AAPI identities, and highlights the anti-Asian racism that was heightened during COVID-19 and the Trump Administration.