On a rainy spring day when they are both stuck inside with nothing to do, a brother and sister heed the words of their grandmother: “Use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours.”
So, they do, as the story shows, in every season of the year.
In the summer, after a fight, the siblings use their minds to fly through the city, leaving anger behind. In the fall, when their room feels big and lonely, they use their minds to remind themselves how reading makes them feel less alone. In the winter, after moving to a new town where the neighborhood kids look at them differently, they imagine flying away, eventually bringing neighbors along too.
Throughout the book, learning to fly is a precious skill that harkens back to times when the children’s ancestors used their own beautiful and brilliant minds to rise above physical shackles and chains. They showed resilience and never stopped dreaming.
The book does an excellent job of reminding us of the power we have to confidently face challenges. Author Jacqueline Woodson’s words speak life into the story, highlighting the importance of imagination and resiliency. Artist Rafael Lopez (who Woodson previously worked with for her book “The Day You Begin”) draws readers in with beautiful and almost ethereal visual representations of children’s imaginations. Illustrations of birds and butterflies are interspersed throughout the pages.
We are living in a time where kids must find ways to endure an ever-changing world. We can use lessons taught in “The Year We Learned to Fly” to understand not only how those who came before us survived, but also how powerful our imaginations can be in times of uncertainty.
New/Coming Soon
— Adults: “The Dickens Boy” by Thomas Keneally; “Mr. Wrong Number” by Lynn Painter; “South to America” by Imani Perry
— Teens: “This Woven Kingdom” by Tahereh Mafi; “Lakelore” by Anna-Marie McLemore
— Juvenile: “Star Wars: The High Republic Adventure” (Volume 2) by Daniel José Older; “I Am Brave” by Suzy Capozzi; “The Batman” by David Lewman
— Picture Books: “Stella Keeps the Sun Up” by Clothilde Ewing; “It’s So Difficult” by Raúl Nieto Guridi; “Dinosaur Dance-Off” by Jorden Foss
— Entertainment DVD: “A Journal For Jordan,” “House of Gucci,” “American Underdog”
— TV Series DVD: “Dalgliesh” (Series 1), “Manhunt: The Night Stalker” (Series 2), “Doctor Who: Flux: The Complete Thirteenth Series”
— Audiobook CD: “The School For Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan, “Game Changer” by Abbi Glines, “The Darkest Place” by Phillip Margolin
— Downloadable audiobooks: “Post-Traumatic” by Chantal V. Johnson, “The Investigator” by John Sanford, “No Second Chances” by Rio Youers
— E-books: “Welcome to the School by the Sea” by Jenny Colgan; “Against All Odds” by Alex Kershaw; “Home Skills” by Good Housekeeping
— Hoopla Music: “Silly Songs Sing-Along” by Cocomelon, “Where We Started” by Thomas Rhett, “Destination Unknown” by Conkarah
