A review by bookishlibrarian
You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh

3.5

 

I don't read as much middle grade as I'd like, so I was eager to pick up this anthology for a work project to be introduced to several authors. Each story centers around an Asian American character whose paths cross at a busy airport. This was an inspired choice of setting, as the reason many of them are traveling add to the themes being explored: that there is no "one" Asian American experience, the microaggressions and racism the characters experience, connection or disconnection to their particular heritage, language, family or culture; and how each stands up for themselves or others, often in quiet ways. While I wish some of the stories and themes were a little more subtle, I still enjoyed it.

My favorite stories were "Jam Session" by Mike Chen, about a kid whose guitar case comes under scrutiny by security, because no Asians play guitar. "Costumes" by Traci Chee, about a girl traveling with her White friend and family and choosing whether or not to respond to her culturally insensitive comments, "A Kind of Noble" by Randy Ribay, about a boy who overhears two teammates make hurtful remarks about an absent friend. Overall, a solid collection that has me interested in picking up several of the authors' books.

E