Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful Asian American stories tackle racism and identity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
YOU ARE HERE: CONNECTING FLIGHTS is a collection of stories written by 12 East and Southeast Asian American authors and edited by Ellen Oh, co-founder of the We Need Diverse Books campaign. Each short story follows a character of a different ethnic background on the same day at a Chicago airport as they encounter racism, question what it means to belong, and make a difference in each other's lives.
Is It Any Good?
This powerful and timely collection of stories about young Asian American kids confronting racism and questioning what it means to belong is a must-read for kids. Many of these diverse, relatable characters feel caught between two cultures, and kids will appreciate how they find the courage to use their voices and stand up for what's right. As readers see how their stories are connected in You Are Here: Connecting Flights, they'll learn the importance of friendship, compassion, empathy, communication, and integrity and understand that even the smallest actions can make a difference.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how You Are Here: Connecting Flights deals with immigration, racism, and bullying. How do these issues affect the characters?
Talk about the various kinds of diversity in the novel. Why are diverse representations important in children's and young adult literature?
How do the characters demonstrate kindness, compassion, empathy, communication, integrity, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Allida
- Publication date : March 7, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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