Why We Fly
on Goodreads (1,248)
What’s inside...
In this powerful memoir, Kimberly Jones shares her personal story of how she found strength and resilience through her experiences as a black woman in America. From her childhood in the projects of Atlanta to her time in the Air Force and beyond, Jones reflects on the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned about identity, community, and the power of perseverance. With raw honesty and deep vulnerability, Jones offers a moving account of how she found her voice and learned to soar, despite the obstacles in her path. The book has been recognized as a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable book in the Young Adult category. From the bestselling authors of I'm Not Dying with You Tonight comes a compelling YA novel about the choices teens make. Two high school cheerleaders face the ultimate test when an act of solidarity spurs chaos. With a rocky start to senior year, lifelong friends Eleanor and Chanel have a lot on their mind. Eleanor is still in physical therapy months after a serious concussion from a failed cheer attempt. Chanel's putting tremendous pressure on herself to get into the best colleges and starts making questionable decisions. But they have each other's backs just as always. Eleanor's new relationship with star quarterback Three may be causing a rift between the best friends. When the cheer squad decides to take a knee at the season's first football game, what seemed like a positive show of solidarity suddenly becomes the reason for a larger fallout between the girls. Grappling with the weight of the school's actions as well as their own problems, can the girls rely on the friendship they've always shared? A bittersweet, sometime humorous, but always compelling look at issues of friendship, privilege, sports, and race.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'Why We Fly' demonstrate courage and teamwork?
What challenges do the characters face and how do they overcome them?
What did you learn about the importance of standing up for what you believe in?
How can we apply the lessons from the book to our daily lives?
What actions can we take to support each other like the characters in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events. Ask them to draw parallels between the characters’ experiences and their own. Highlight the significance of values like resilience and solidarity, discussed in the book. Use examples from the story to talk about real-world issues in an age-appropriate way. Finally, promote empathy by asking how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Why We Fly,' the protagonists work together as a cheerleading squad to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, highlighting the strength found in unity and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each person's contribution towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate moral courage by addressing and standing against social injustice, emphasizing the importance of having integrity and the bravery it takes to defend one's beliefs.
Real-World Application: Children can embody this by standing up against bullying, advocating for fair treatment in their interactions, and supporting peers who might be facing injustice.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'Why We Fly', the resilience of friendship is showcased, particularly how true friends support each other through various challenges, providing emotional safety and encouragement.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to nurture their friendships by showing empathy, being reliable, and offering support during challenging times, creating meaningful and supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and growth
Explanation: The characters in the book go through personal growth and self-discovery as they navigate their lives and make important decisions, showing that it's okay to evolve and change.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace their personal journey, explore different interests, and accept changes within themselves, fostering a healthy development and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The narrative illustrates how characters deal with setbacks and keep pursuing their aspirations, promoting a never-give-up attitude that is essential for personal success.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that challenges are a part of life and that perseverance and resilience are key to overcoming these obstacles and achieving one’s goals.