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Flying Lessons & Other Stories — Content Guide for Parents

By Kwame Alexander, Kelly J. Baptist, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Tim Tingle, Jacqueline WoodsonRandom House Children's Books2017-01-03ISBN 9781101934593240 pages
Flying Lessons & Other Stories

Themes present

Violence
Scary content
Racial/cultural content
Sexual identity
Gender roles
LGBTQ+ themes

Not found

Religious themesProfanityClimate change

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighborhoods, this bold short story collection—written by some of the best children’s authors including Kwame Alexander, Meg Medina, Jacqueline Woodson, and many more and published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books—celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us.
 
"Will resonate with any kid who's ever felt different—which is to say, every kid." —Time

 
Great stories take flight in this adventurous middle-grade anthology crafted by ten of the most recognizable and diverse authors writing today. Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander delivers a story in-verse about a boy who just might have magical powers; National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson spins a tale of friendship against all odds; and Meg Medina uses wet paint to color in one girl’s world with a short story that inspired her Newbery award-winner Merci Suárez Changes Gear. Plus, seven more bold voices that bring this collection to new heights with tales that challenge, inspire, and celebrate the unique talents within us all.
 
AUTHORS INCLUDE: Kwame Alexander, Kelly J. Baptist, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, Jacqueline Woodson
 
“There’s plenty of magic in this collection to go around.” Booklist, Starred

“A natural for middle school classrooms and libraries.” Kirkus Reviews, Starred

“Inclusive, authentic, and eminently readable.” —School Library Journal, Starred

“Thought provoking and wide-ranging . . . should not be missed.”Publishers Weekly, Starred 

“Read more books by these authors.” The Bulletin, Starred

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Flying Lessons & Other Stories appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The book contains instances of violence, including stories with themes of bullying and a character being bought and used as an enslaved servant. Additionally, there are references to attacking pirates and an attacking monster, though no one is hurt. The book includes elements that could be considered scary, such as attacking pirates and an insect mutilation scene, as well as a story featuring an attacking monster that threatens a family. These elements may be intense for younger readers.

  • Does Flying Lessons & Other Stories have violence?

    The book contains instances of violence, including stories with themes of bullying and a character being bought and used as an enslaved servant. Additionally, there are references to attacking pirates and an attacking monster, though no one is hurt.

  • Does Flying Lessons & Other Stories have scary content?

    The book includes elements that could be considered scary, such as attacking pirates and an insect mutilation scene, as well as a story featuring an attacking monster that threatens a family. These elements may be intense for younger readers.

  • Does Flying Lessons & Other Stories have religious themes?

    No religious content in the book itself. The search results do not indicate any religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies present in the stories.

  • Does Flying Lessons & Other Stories have racial/cultural content?

    The anthology features a diverse range of characters from different ethnicities and backgrounds, reflecting themes of race and identity. The stories celebrate cultural diversity and the unique experiences of characters from various racial backgrounds.

  • Does Flying Lessons & Other Stories have profanity?

    No profanity is explicitly mentioned in the search results related to this book. While other works by the authors may contain strong language, the specific content of 'Flying Lessons & Other Stories' does not indicate the presence of profanity.

  • Does Flying Lessons & Other Stories have climate change?

    No climate themes or environmental issues are present in the book. The search results do not indicate any discussion of climate-related topics.

  • Does Flying Lessons & Other Stories have sexual identity?

    The book features themes of budding crushes, both same-sex and heterosexual, and discusses peer pressure related to sexual activities. These elements suggest a nuanced exploration of young people's experiences with sexuality.

  • Does Flying Lessons & Other Stories have gender roles?

    The book includes characters of different genders and orientations, and one story specifically addresses the policing of gender through a gender-nonconforming character. This suggests an exploration of gender roles and expectations.

  • Does Flying Lessons & Other Stories have lgbtq+ themes?

    The book includes a storyline featuring LGBTQIA+ themes, as noted in a review where a character's experience with same-sex attraction is highlighted. This indicates that LGBTQ+ representation is present in the narrative.