The Year We Learned to Fly

Two siblings find themselves stuck indoors during various weather conditions throughout the year. Their grandmother teaches them to use their imagination as a way to transport themselves beyond their immediate surroundings. Rafael López's vibrant multimedia illustrations bring the children's imaginative journeys to life through bold colors and dynamic scenes. The story unfolds through lyrical verse that captures the power of mind and spirit to transcend physical limitations. The book draws inspiration from Virginia Hamilton's "The People Could Fly" and connects to themes of ancestral wisdom and resilience. Through its exploration of imagination and family bonds, the story speaks to universal experiences of finding freedom through the power of thought and creativity.

Readers describe this as an uplifting story that teaches children to use their imagination to overcome difficult moments and negative emotions. Parents and teachers report the book resonates with kids ages 4-8 and opens conversations about dealing with boredom, anger, and isolation. Likes: - Illustrations showing diverse characters and family dynamics - Connection to African American history and culture - Message about mental resilience and emotional coping - Rhyming text that flows smoothly when read aloud Dislikes: - Some found the narrative too similar to Woodson's previous book "The Day You Begin" - A few reviewers wanted more concrete examples of using imagination - Price point ($18.99) considered high for length Ratings: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (1,283 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (465 ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.9/5 (89 ratings) School Library Journal called it "a beautiful tribute to family stories and resilient spirits."

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Christopher Myers A young Black boy's barbershop visit transforms his self-image and connects him to his heritage through the power of imagination and pride.

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales A mother and son use imagination and books to navigate their immigration journey from Mexico to the United States.

Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy A community transforms their gray neighborhood through art and collective imagination.

Wings by Christopher Myers A boy who faces social rejection learns to embrace his differences and soar above prejudice through inner strength.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña A boy's bus ride with his grandmother becomes a lesson in finding beauty and meaning in everyday experiences through a shift in perspective.

🌟 The book was inspired by the African American folktale "The People Could Fly," which tells of enslaved people using magical powers to escape to freedom. 🌟 Author Jacqueline Woodson is a National Book Award winner and was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature (2018-2019). 🌟 Illustrator Rafael López has received multiple Pura Belpré medals for his artwork celebrating Latino culture and created stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. 🌟 The book's themes connect to the historical concept of "spiritual flight" in African American culture, where imagination and storytelling served as tools of resistance and hope. 🌟 The grandmother's wisdom in the story reflects the important role of oral tradition and intergenerational teaching in African American families.