Reviews

You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

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

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

thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition

5.0

Twelve Asian American authors collaborate on one amazing MG book!

mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition

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

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.

svtiwari1's review against another edition

4.0

I really loved this book. The authors did a great job of showing a single day in an airport from different overlapping perspectives. The characters felt very well developed and dynamic. My only concern was that some plot points felt a bit too repetitive across chapters. I understand the shared experiences this anthology explores but still would have preferred a bit more variety. Also I read this mostly in an airport, which definitely enhanced the experience. Audiobook

thenextgenlib's review against another edition

5.0

Twelve Asian American authors collaborate on one amazing MG book!

bookishcb_21's review against another edition

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Wow, this was such a great book! This novel includes 12 stories from the perspective of young Asian Americans, all located at an airport where their paths cross with each passing chapter. There are so many authors I’ve read books by (or have books written by them on my TBR list) that contributed to this story 💜 This book provides so many truths and challenges that are worth reading about, so if you have seen this book at your local bookstore or in the library, please pick it up! 📚 

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Racial slurs and Racism

miszjeanie's review against another edition

5.0

You Are Here: Connecting Flights is an excellent collection of interconnected short stories about the wide range of the Asian-American experience. It explores the prejudice that people of Asian descent continue to experience. This is a stunning piece of literature that is accessible, informative, moving, and inspiring for kids and adults of all ages.

Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/you-are-here-connecting-flights-book-review/

shivana_soodeen's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25