You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh
Published by Allida/HarperCollins on March 7, 2023
ISBN: 0063239086
Pages: 251
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Twelve intertwined short stories written by and about Asian Americans, set in an overcrowded Chicago airport during the height of the COVID pandemic. A combination of stormy weather and an incident at TSA, which occurs in the first story, create delayed and cancelled flights, and tempers among many travelers run high.

Each chapter follows a different young person as they navigate their identity as being Asian and American through scenes of both subtle and overt racism. The beauty of the interwoven stories becomes apparent as main characters from one pop into another: often with just a glance or a smile, but all the same, providing solidarity and support to other kids who are otherwise strangers, when they most need to know that they are not alone.

A really wonderful read from an amazing group of authors. The seamless connections between stories made the whole flow perfectly; but the twelve distinct voices gave every character their own unique identity. An easy book to put in readers’ hands.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta