Synopsis
Jason is an outsider. A recent immigrant from China, he lives in a close-minded town with his mother and younger brother. Falling in with the wrong crowd, trying to fit in, Jason takes chances and ends up in trouble with the police. Holding on to his friendship with a Native boy, also an outsider, Jason finds he needs to fight to belong and to find a new home.
Children's Literature
Paul Yee has a strong voice that demands to be heard, telling a typical tale of teens (loneliness, social status, drug use, family ties and responsibilities) with a unique voice that brings insight and interest to the world of young adults. After instantly being immersed in the life of Jie-xin (Jason) the reader feels a connection not just to the main character, but to his exhausted and proud mother, his fellow outcast, Chief, and the rest of Jason's world. The only problem with this book—a problem that is also one of its greatest strengths—is that it is too short! The door to his world is shut too quickly, leaving it to readers to decide what happens next. This book would make an excellent choice for book discussion groups—the cover alone, stark and simple, with two hands gripping a barb-wire-topped chain-link fence—provokes discussion and reflection. Learning to Fly would be an excellent addition to the young adult collection of public libraries and high school media centers. Reviewer: Meagan Albright