You Are Here: Connecting Flights
on Goodreads (2,088)
What’s inside...
An incident at a TSA security checkpoint sows chaos and rumors, creating a chain of events that impacts twelve young Asian Americans in a crowded and restless airport. As their disrupted journeys crisscross and collide, they encounter fellow travelers—some helpful, some hostile—as they discover the challenges of friendship, the power of courage, the importance of the right word at the right time, and the unexpected significance of a blue Stratocaster electric guitar. Twelve powerhouse Asian American authors explore themes of identity and belonging in the entwined experiences of young people whose family roots may extend to East and Southeast Asia, but who are themselves distinctly American. Written by Linda Sue Park, Erin Entrada Kelly, Grace Lin, Traci Chee, Mike Chen, Meredith Ireland, Mike Jung, Minh Le, Ellen Oh, Randy Ribay, Christina Soontornvat, and Susan Tan, and edited by Ellen Oh.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the places the characters visited in the story? Which one would you like to explore?
How did the characters feel when they were on their journey? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What does being brave mean to you, as seen through the adventures in the book?
How do you think the characters changed from the beginning of the book to the end?
What is one thing you learned from this book that you didn’t know before?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story’s settings. Ask questions like, 'What would you do if you were there?'
Discuss the emotions of the characters at different points in the story, relating them to real-life situations your child might face.
Highlight the lessons learned from the characters' adventures and challenges, discussing how these lessons can apply to your child's life.
Create a fun activity after reading, such as drawing a scene from the book or plotting a dream travel itinerary inspired by the characters’ journey.
Affirm and praise your child’s thoughts and responses to foster confidence and a deeper appreciation for reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates characters from various backgrounds coming together, learning about each other's experiences and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in play.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The characters encounter unexpected challenges during their journeys and must think critically and creatively to find solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to apply critical thinking skills to overcome obstacles in their own lives, whether in academic or social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Cooperation
Explanation: The characters must cooperate and work together to navigate their way through various scenarios, highlighting the benefits of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working with others to achieve common goals, which is essential in group projects and team sports.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the characters' plans change, they learn to adapt to new situations gracefully and effectively.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being flexible and adaptable in the face of change, a crucial skill in an ever-evolving world.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Throughout their journey, characters explore diverse cultures and traditions, gaining a broader understanding of the world.
Real-World Application: This promotes global awareness and sensitivity, encouraging children to become more knowledgeable and respectful of global diversities.