Parents' Guide to

The Year We Learned to Fly

Book Jacqueline Woodson Picture Book 2022
The Year We Learned to Fly Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Snyder By Stephanie Snyder , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

Empathy and empowerment fly high in this meaningful book.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 5+?

Any Positive Content?

Virginia Hamilton</a>'s <a href=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/"/book-reviews/the-people-could-fly-american-black-folktales">The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales</em></a>, a book of folktales that have been passed down for generations, created by enslaved workers as a way to escape the horrors of slavery. <em>The Year We Learned to Fly</em> acknowledges the ancestors who passed down the oral tradition through the grandmother's lessons as she teaches the characters to "fly." </p> ">

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What's the Story?

THE YEAR WE LEARNED TO FLY teaches readers that they have the power to lift themselves out of life's challenging times. The main character is nameless in this book but familiar to readers as Angelina in author Jacqueline Woodson's previous picture book, The Day You Begin. She recounts the minor difficulties she and her brother face in different seasons one year, from being bored, to being angry, to being lonely. Each time they face a challenge, their grandmother motivates them to change their outlook toward it. In doing so, they learn to "fly" out of their hardships. Her grandmother reveals that this important life lesson was passed down from their ancestors. Later, the main character is emboldened to apply the lesson in a tougher situation where she's marginalized, and when she "flies," she sees that she's able to inspire change.

Is It Any Good?

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This celebration of family, culture, and mindfulness inspires readers to remember the power they possess. The Year We Learned to Fly is relevant and elegant in the way that it portrays the timeless theme of overcoming adversity. Kid readers have a relatable coping mechanism -- wings on which to fly -- that they can apply to their personal struggles.

Parents have an entry point for teaching young readers about heritage and history. Author Jacqueline Woodson and illustrator Rafael Lopez offer readers a moment for mindfulness, a subtle history lesson, and the first step to creating change in their lives and in the world in this beautifully illustrated book.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the grandmother's words of wisdom in The Year We Learned to Fly. What advice does she give? How does her guidance help the characters? How can her words help you through tough times?

  • What does author Jacqueline Woodson mean by "flying"? What do you think the characters did to "fly" in the summer? How did they "fly" in the spring? Winter? Fall?

  • How does the main character learn about her heritage? Why is it important to learn about our history and ancestors? What do you know about yours?

Book Details

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