The Year We Learned to Fly
Empathy and empowerment fly high in this meaningful book.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Year We Learned to Fly is the follow-up to the award-winning bestseller The Day You Begin, written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael Lopez. The main character and her brother are encouraged by their grandmother to use the power of their minds to help them fly out of difficult seasons and circumstances in life. The modern-day, relatable story references the perseverance of enslaved Africans in America in an empowering way that can open the door for parents to introduce the more complex and harrowing topic of slavery. Vibrant illustrations, purposeful rhythms, and deliberate repetition create a read-aloud experience that kids of varying ages can follow. The author's note gives readers more insight into Woodson's inspirations and intentions for writing this admirable acknowledgement of her heritage. The book is also available in Spanish under the title El Año En Que Aprendimos a Volar.
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What's the Story?
THE YEAR WE LEARNED TO FLY teaches readers that they have the power to lift themselves out of life's challenging times. The main character is nameless in this book but familiar to readers as Angelina in author Jacqueline Woodson's previous picture book, The Day You Begin. She recounts the minor difficulties she and her brother face in different seasons one year, from being bored, to being angry, to being lonely. Each time they face a challenge, their grandmother motivates them to change their outlook toward it. In doing so, they learn to "fly" out of their hardships. Her grandmother reveals that this important life lesson was passed down from their ancestors. Later, the main character is emboldened to apply the lesson in a tougher situation where she's marginalized, and when she "flies," she sees that she's able to inspire change.
Is It Any Good?
This celebration of family, culture, and mindfulness inspires readers to remember the power they possess. The Year We Learned to Fly is relevant and elegant in the way that it portrays the timeless theme of overcoming adversity. Kid readers have a relatable coping mechanism -- wings on which to fly -- that they can apply to their personal struggles.
Parents have an entry point for teaching young readers about heritage and history. Author Jacqueline Woodson and illustrator Rafael Lopez offer readers a moment for mindfulness, a subtle history lesson, and the first step to creating change in their lives and in the world in this beautifully illustrated book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the grandmother's words of wisdom in The Year We Learned to Fly. What advice does she give? How does her guidance help the characters? How can her words help you through tough times?
What does author Jacqueline Woodson mean by "flying"? What do you think the characters did to "fly" in the summer? How did they "fly" in the spring? Winter? Fall?
How does the main character learn about her heritage? Why is it important to learn about our history and ancestors? What do you know about yours?
Book Details
- Author: Jacqueline Woodson
- Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism, Brothers and Sisters, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
- Publication date: January 4, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 5 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The Day You Begin
Encouraging advice for kids who feel excluded or less than.
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Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
Gorgeous, upbeat book about strength in our differences.
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Stacey's Extraordinary Words
Sweet story encourages perseverance, spotlights diversity.
For kids who love books that boost self-esteem and celebrate grandparents
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