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Why We Fly
From the bestselling authors of I'm Not Dying with You Tonight comes a compelling YA novel about the choices teens make.
Two high school cheerleaders face the ultimate test when an act of solidarity spurs chaos. With a rocky start to senior year, lifelong friends Eleanor and Chanel have a lot on their mind. Eleanor is still in physical therapy months after a serious concussion from a failed cheer attempt. Chanel's putting tremendous pressure on herself to get into the best colleges and starts making questionable decisions. But they have each other's backs just as always.
Eleanor's new relationship with star quarterback Three may be causing a rift between the best friends. When the cheer squad decides to take a knee at the season's first football game, what seemed like a positive show of solidarity suddenly becomes the reason for a larger fallout between the girls.
Grappling with the weight of the school's actions as well as their own problems, can the girls rely on the friendship they've always shared?
A bittersweet, sometime humorous, but always compelling look at issues of friendship, privilege, sports, and race.
Two high school cheerleaders face the ultimate test when an act of solidarity spurs chaos. With a rocky start to senior year, lifelong friends Eleanor and Chanel have a lot on their mind. Eleanor is still in physical therapy months after a serious concussion from a failed cheer attempt. Chanel's putting tremendous pressure on herself to get into the best colleges and starts making questionable decisions. But they have each other's backs just as always.
Eleanor's new relationship with star quarterback Three may be causing a rift between the best friends. When the cheer squad decides to take a knee at the season's first football game, what seemed like a positive show of solidarity suddenly becomes the reason for a larger fallout between the girls.
Grappling with the weight of the school's actions as well as their own problems, can the girls rely on the friendship they've always shared?
A bittersweet, sometime humorous, but always compelling look at issues of friendship, privilege, sports, and race.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2021
About the author
Kimberly Jones
5 books721 followersKimberly Jones is a former bookseller, and now she Hosts the Atlanta Chapter of the popular Well Read Black Girl book club, as well as the infamous, viral sensation the YA Truth or Dare author panel at the Decatur Book Festival. She has worked in film and television with trailblazing figures such as Tyler Perry, Whitney Houston, and 8Ball & MJG. Currently, in addition to writing YA novels, she is a director of feature films and cutting-edge diverse web series. She also regularly lectures on working and succeeding in the Atlanta film market.
Kim's book roots run deep. She served on the Selection Committee for Library of Congress' 2016-2017 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, the 2015 Children’s Choice Illustrator Committee for The Children's Book Council, and the advisory board that created the Creative and Innovative Education Master’s Degree program at Georgia State University. She has been featured in Redbook, Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, and was Book Brahmin in an issue of Shelf Awareness. James Patterson and the American Booksellers Association chose her out of over 3,000 booksellers to receive a bonus for her outstanding work as an indie bookseller.
She resides in Atlanta and is the proud mother of a gifted boy. She lives for synthetic wigs and nail art, as her style icons are Dolly Parton, Chaka Khan, and Diana Ross. Her forthcoming YA novel, I’M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT, co-authored with Gilly Segal, is due out from Sourcebooks Fire October, 1 2019.
Kim's book roots run deep. She served on the Selection Committee for Library of Congress' 2016-2017 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, the 2015 Children’s Choice Illustrator Committee for The Children's Book Council, and the advisory board that created the Creative and Innovative Education Master’s Degree program at Georgia State University. She has been featured in Redbook, Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, and was Book Brahmin in an issue of Shelf Awareness. James Patterson and the American Booksellers Association chose her out of over 3,000 booksellers to receive a bonus for her outstanding work as an indie bookseller.
She resides in Atlanta and is the proud mother of a gifted boy. She lives for synthetic wigs and nail art, as her style icons are Dolly Parton, Chaka Khan, and Diana Ross. Her forthcoming YA novel, I’M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT, co-authored with Gilly Segal, is due out from Sourcebooks Fire October, 1 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
April 30, 2021
Told from alternating points of view, Chanel and Eleanor are high school seniors on the cheerleading team. They're also best friends and have been for years. In the summer leading up to senior year, Eleanor is recovering from a concussion, hoping that she will be back to normal by the time school starts. Chanel is working on her post high school plans.
At the first game of the school year, the cheerleaders decide to take a knee during the national anthem because they know of an NFL player who has been trying to raise awareness by taking a knee at games and that had caused a bit of controversy (and he was a former student of their school, so they feel like they want to support him).
And then, well, the stuff hits the fan, as they say. Administration for the school gets involved and there are consequences, but only for one Black cheerleader, not the entire team.
And then the whole subject is dropped. Nothing else really happens in the book after that. I thought the girls would have protests or something, but no. Where were the lawyers? Where was the NAACP? These were missed opportunities for this storyline.
An okay story, but it had the potential to be HUGE.
At the first game of the school year, the cheerleaders decide to take a knee during the national anthem because they know of an NFL player who has been trying to raise awareness by taking a knee at games and that had caused a bit of controversy (and he was a former student of their school, so they feel like they want to support him).
And then, well, the stuff hits the fan, as they say. Administration for the school gets involved and there are consequences, but only for one Black cheerleader, not the entire team.
And then the whole subject is dropped. Nothing else really happens in the book after that. I thought the girls would have protests or something, but no. Where were the lawyers? Where was the NAACP? These were missed opportunities for this storyline.
An okay story, but it had the potential to be HUGE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2021
[2.5 stars]
my friends, let this be a lesson on not picking books purely because of their covers. do not be like me! read the inside cover/synopsis so you know what you’re getting yourself into. because i saw two girls on the cover and thought: yay! sapphic romance! and that was not what i ended up getting.
why we fly follows two best friends, eleanor and chanel, through their senior year of high school. the year is 2019, and football players are making waves by deciding to take a stand against systematic racism by taking a kneel during the national anthem. as we know from real life events, the reactions are not entirely positive - and in the discussions about what our flag and anthem and country stand for, what the kneeling was really about got washed to the side. unfortunately, i felt like the same thing happened in this book.
the girls are on a competitive cheer team together. in support of Black americans and their high school’s former alum, they also decide to take a kneel - and end up facing repercussions they hadn’t imagined occurring. these consequences are given more attention in the book than the actual issue of, you know, racism. the girl’s friendship isn’t really highlighted, either - in fact, they fall apart, and with very little flashbacks, i can hardly imagine them really meshing. there is a small aspect of romance between eleanor and a football player, but even this is given very little attention. when i read books, i do it for the characters and for human connections, and that need wasn’t really fulfilled by why we fly. i did walk away from it with a renewed respect for cheerleaders and the hard work they put into their sport, so i suppose that’s something.
my friends, let this be a lesson on not picking books purely because of their covers. do not be like me! read the inside cover/synopsis so you know what you’re getting yourself into. because i saw two girls on the cover and thought: yay! sapphic romance! and that was not what i ended up getting.
why we fly follows two best friends, eleanor and chanel, through their senior year of high school. the year is 2019, and football players are making waves by deciding to take a stand against systematic racism by taking a kneel during the national anthem. as we know from real life events, the reactions are not entirely positive - and in the discussions about what our flag and anthem and country stand for, what the kneeling was really about got washed to the side. unfortunately, i felt like the same thing happened in this book.
the girls are on a competitive cheer team together. in support of Black americans and their high school’s former alum, they also decide to take a kneel - and end up facing repercussions they hadn’t imagined occurring. these consequences are given more attention in the book than the actual issue of, you know, racism. the girl’s friendship isn’t really highlighted, either - in fact, they fall apart, and with very little flashbacks, i can hardly imagine them really meshing. there is a small aspect of romance between eleanor and a football player, but even this is given very little attention. when i read books, i do it for the characters and for human connections, and that need wasn’t really fulfilled by why we fly. i did walk away from it with a renewed respect for cheerleaders and the hard work they put into their sport, so i suppose that’s something.
August 26, 2021
Why We Fly by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal started out strong, with an interesting premise and the promise of strong characters but unfortunately it stagnated pretty quickly. There isn't much of a plot to this book, it's just kind of a series of events that happen to two girls who we're told are best friends (though we never actually see this friendship). That wouldn't be unforgivable if the characters were more interesting or even just likeable, but they are not.
I am only not giving this book 1 star because it was able to hold my attention for the entire 270 pages, which says something. However, I spent most of my reading time baffled by the choices these authors made.
Why We Fly revolves around "best friends" Chanel Irons and Eleanor Greenburg, and I put "best friends" in quotes because the book spends a lot of time telling us how close they are but we don't actually see that. The girls spend very little time together, and when they do interact, it's clear that Chanel doesn't actually like Eleanor, and that Eleanor is completely codependent on Chanel. Eleanor's on-again, off-again relationship with the school's football star Three is far more interesting than their friendship. Speaking of Three, I was left wondering throughout the whole book why the POV characters were Eleanor and Chanel instead of Eleanor and Three. He was the only character who was a little bit likeable, or at least whose actions and intentions actually matched up.
The idea for this book is fantastic: a high school cheerleading squad engages in protest by kneeling during the anthem at games, sparking outrage from parents, faculty and peers. However, the execution was so severely lacking. Eleanor, the white MC, railroads all the Black characters who are having mixed, complicated emotions about the whole thing, basically forcing them to participate in a protest she doesn't understand in the least, and then... nothing. She kind of drifts away from Chanel I guess, and breaks up with Three but then gets back together with him for prom and makes awesome new friends without ever actually apologizing so... good for her, I guess?
Meanwhile the other MC Chanel, a Black girl, gets unfairly singled out and suspended for something the whole team participated in and then... her dad fixes everything and the suspension gets wiped from her record and she gets a scholarship because she's so awesome, apparently. So, good for her too I guess. There's also a weird subplot with Chanel smoking weed that seems really out of touch for a book set in present day.
Overall, this book makes a promise it can't deliver and I was hugely disappointed.
I am only not giving this book 1 star because it was able to hold my attention for the entire 270 pages, which says something. However, I spent most of my reading time baffled by the choices these authors made.
Why We Fly revolves around "best friends" Chanel Irons and Eleanor Greenburg, and I put "best friends" in quotes because the book spends a lot of time telling us how close they are but we don't actually see that. The girls spend very little time together, and when they do interact, it's clear that Chanel doesn't actually like Eleanor, and that Eleanor is completely codependent on Chanel. Eleanor's on-again, off-again relationship with the school's football star Three is far more interesting than their friendship. Speaking of Three, I was left wondering throughout the whole book why the POV characters were Eleanor and Chanel instead of Eleanor and Three. He was the only character who was a little bit likeable, or at least whose actions and intentions actually matched up.
The idea for this book is fantastic: a high school cheerleading squad engages in protest by kneeling during the anthem at games, sparking outrage from parents, faculty and peers. However, the execution was so severely lacking. Eleanor, the white MC, railroads all the Black characters who are having mixed, complicated emotions about the whole thing, basically forcing them to participate in a protest she doesn't understand in the least, and then... nothing. She kind of drifts away from Chanel I guess, and breaks up with Three but then gets back together with him for prom and makes awesome new friends without ever actually apologizing so... good for her, I guess?
Meanwhile the other MC Chanel, a Black girl, gets unfairly singled out and suspended for something the whole team participated in and then... her dad fixes everything and the suspension gets wiped from her record and she gets a scholarship because she's so awesome, apparently. So, good for her too I guess. There's also a weird subplot with Chanel smoking weed that seems really out of touch for a book set in present day.
Overall, this book makes a promise it can't deliver and I was hugely disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Why We Fly in exchange for an honest review!
My biggest compliment here was probably how developed and believable all the characters were. Why We Fly is a dual perspective book following two cheerleading best friends when their decision to kneel during the national anthem leads to public reactions that push the two apart and normally in books like that, one POV needs to be incredibly dumb or unbelievable to warrant the inevitable moment where the POVs take different sides on an argument. While both girls are flawed and one is definitely far more flawed than the other, Why We Fly manages to make all of their decisions and reactions make a lot of logical sense.
This is also a lot more nuanced of a book than I thought it would be. I figured it would climax with the team deciding to kneel, but it actually happens way earlier on the plot to give the book time to examine the fallout of the action which made a much more interesting reading experienced and allowed for a lot more social commentary and character growth. A few pacing things here felt a tad too slow or too fast, but all in all, this was really well done.
My biggest compliment here was probably how developed and believable all the characters were. Why We Fly is a dual perspective book following two cheerleading best friends when their decision to kneel during the national anthem leads to public reactions that push the two apart and normally in books like that, one POV needs to be incredibly dumb or unbelievable to warrant the inevitable moment where the POVs take different sides on an argument. While both girls are flawed and one is definitely far more flawed than the other, Why We Fly manages to make all of their decisions and reactions make a lot of logical sense.
This is also a lot more nuanced of a book than I thought it would be. I figured it would climax with the team deciding to kneel, but it actually happens way earlier on the plot to give the book time to examine the fallout of the action which made a much more interesting reading experienced and allowed for a lot more social commentary and character growth. A few pacing things here felt a tad too slow or too fast, but all in all, this was really well done.
September 29, 2021
Rating 2.5 stars.
I’m so confused? I was reading this and thoroughly enjoying it. So many interesting and strong points were set up. The protest, the consequences, Nelly’s ambition, Eleanor’s new leadership position, the wedge in their friendship, a romance with Three who was really against protesting. And then bam, nothing happens, all is forgotten. I’m so upset with how this story ended. There wasn’t any character development, no big moments that wrap it up. Everything was DROPPED. Forgotten. So many good opportunities that were missed. I don’t understand what the point of picking up such important topics was if you’re not going to see them through.
Disappointed doesn’t even cover this.
I’m so confused? I was reading this and thoroughly enjoying it. So many interesting and strong points were set up. The protest, the consequences, Nelly’s ambition, Eleanor’s new leadership position, the wedge in their friendship, a romance with Three who was really against protesting. And then bam, nothing happens, all is forgotten. I’m so upset with how this story ended. There wasn’t any character development, no big moments that wrap it up. Everything was DROPPED. Forgotten. So many good opportunities that were missed. I don’t understand what the point of picking up such important topics was if you’re not going to see them through.
Disappointed doesn’t even cover this.
October 6, 2021
I really enjoyed the other book by these authors, so I was very excited when the publisher sent me this next book. Now the first few chapters didn’t grab me, but once the characters got back to school and some not so great things happened, I was hooked.
There was a lot going on in this book. And really, it plays right into not only the climate in our country right now, but even hits close to home with some things going on at the school where I am a librarian right now.
The two main characters both had a lot going on in their lives. Now, there were a few times when I had to turn back a few pages to realize for sure which character was telling that chapter, because a lot of the stuff was similar. I mean, they were both cheerleaders and seniors in high school. Oh, the girls’ names were really close when they did the nicknames too, that was part of my confusion I think. But then something would happen that reminded me which one they were.
Each girl’s viewpoint was so important to read and realize how differently things affect people based on their backgrounds. The authors did a great job with showing not only the inequality in how things were handled, but also how skin color doesn’t always mean things are going to be automatically better. And how people will find something to say that is discriminatory about anyone who does something they don’t agree with.
While there were also some things about the way both the friendships and the possible love interests ended up going that made me disappointed, they also happened to finish the story in very realistic ways. So while I might have wished for things to go differently, honestly it was perfect for the ending of a high school story, and how friendships/relationships can go at that age.
I do feel like in a way, the vaping/marijuana storyline I would possibly have liked maybe more of a backstory with that. It almost feels like where did she start doing that? Who gave her the idea, etc. Because she didn’t really talk to anyone about that, and so it almost seemed a tiny bit out of place for me. I mean it worked in the story for sure, but I just had questions about it.
One thing I did really like is when Eleanor went to see Three’s aunt about what she could do to help with the cause. I really liked the way his aunt kind of explained things, or maybe left things unexplained. So that when Eleanor went to her own church and talked to her rabbi, that really made me think. And I think it is something that everyone trying to work to help further a cause should look at.
Again, really a perfect book for the times we live in, and I’ll once again be sure to share this with my own students!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
There was a lot going on in this book. And really, it plays right into not only the climate in our country right now, but even hits close to home with some things going on at the school where I am a librarian right now.
The two main characters both had a lot going on in their lives. Now, there were a few times when I had to turn back a few pages to realize for sure which character was telling that chapter, because a lot of the stuff was similar. I mean, they were both cheerleaders and seniors in high school. Oh, the girls’ names were really close when they did the nicknames too, that was part of my confusion I think. But then something would happen that reminded me which one they were.
Each girl’s viewpoint was so important to read and realize how differently things affect people based on their backgrounds. The authors did a great job with showing not only the inequality in how things were handled, but also how skin color doesn’t always mean things are going to be automatically better. And how people will find something to say that is discriminatory about anyone who does something they don’t agree with.
While there were also some things about the way both the friendships and the possible love interests ended up going that made me disappointed, they also happened to finish the story in very realistic ways. So while I might have wished for things to go differently, honestly it was perfect for the ending of a high school story, and how friendships/relationships can go at that age.
I do feel like in a way, the vaping/marijuana storyline I would possibly have liked maybe more of a backstory with that. It almost feels like where did she start doing that? Who gave her the idea, etc. Because she didn’t really talk to anyone about that, and so it almost seemed a tiny bit out of place for me. I mean it worked in the story for sure, but I just had questions about it.
One thing I did really like is when Eleanor went to see Three’s aunt about what she could do to help with the cause. I really liked the way his aunt kind of explained things, or maybe left things unexplained. So that when Eleanor went to her own church and talked to her rabbi, that really made me think. And I think it is something that everyone trying to work to help further a cause should look at.
Again, really a perfect book for the times we live in, and I’ll once again be sure to share this with my own students!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
January 25, 2022
ok. i was rlly excited for this. i think rams can tell u. but ummm it kinda didn't live up to my expectations. so first I hated the 2 mc girls. they were giving "I'm not like other girls" which I don't do, and "I released a breath I didn't know I was holding" which I also don't do. they're cheerleaders. don't get me wrong Im not hating. its just... rlly?!. idk i don't wanna explain it in a mean and rude way but like.... hello?!. umm whatever than guy Sam, samuel, there? umm ya. no. no. no .no. like girly i can c a toxic relationship and this is one of them. even worse is he's a football jock.
ya pretty much didn't like this. but the social injustice seemed like a subplot more than the actual plot and that's not what i was thinking when i started the book. it kinda disappointed me. but its not terrible; average
ya pretty much didn't like this. but the social injustice seemed like a subplot more than the actual plot and that's not what i was thinking when i started the book. it kinda disappointed me. but its not terrible; average
October 11, 2021
I really wanted to like the book, and I did for the first half or so. The problem came in the pacing of the second half. Everything happened way too quickly, and it's potential to deliver a powerful message got lost. Oh, and let's not forget how unrealistic and tidy it all was. Bleh
September 20, 2021
Many teen readers will want to read this book and may see themselves and their own situations and choices in its two narrators. After reading I'm Not Dying with You Tonight by the same authors, their desire to read this one will be heightened. Although this book covers different territory than the previous book and features different characters, it addresses an equally important topic--social justice and taking a stand. Obviously, the cheer team's decision to take a knee during the National Anthem was inspired by recent events, which makes it particularly relevant. Readers may be inspired to do some heavy thinking about the consequences of those actions and how much freedom high school students actually have to speak their minds or stand up for their beliefs. But I found myself being bounced around quite a bit as the narrative shifted from Eleanor, one of the flyers on the squad, and her best friend, Chanel who is usually part of the base for formations. Eleanor is recovering from an injury, her second concussion, and still feeling a bit tentative about her stunts. Both girls are determined to help their team reach the National Finals and take first place in the competition. But Eleanor's involvement with Three, the team quarterback, and Chanel's resentment over Eleanor being named captain of the squad, drive wedges between the girls. I found the use of nicknames for the girls to be quite confusing since the chapters used their actual names, and often the nickname seemed more suited to the other girl. For best friends, they certainly didn't spend much time with each other or talking things out. Surely, if Chanel resented being passed over for captain, why didn't she talk about that with her friend? And why was Eleanor supported by her team and coach for the position after being injured for part of the season? I never really saw her taking on much of a leadership role. When Eleanor finally becomes woke enough to understand that racism might have led to Chanel being suspended when none of the rest of the squad was, the authors miss an opportunity to explore that topic more thoroughly. As I read this one, I became increasingly frustrated with the bad decisions the girls were making and trying to sort out whether there really was a relationship between Eleanor and Three. I wish there'd been more description of the cheer team's practices and stunts, especially at their final competition, and I wish it had been clearer why these girls fly or why readers should care. The idea behind the book is great, but its execution leaves something to be desired. There is a distinct disconnection between the book description on the jacket flaps and the book itself since the book doesn't end up delivering what it promised.
January 7, 2022
I loved I'm Not Dying With You Tonight, and I thought it would be the same with this one.
Leni and Nelly are supposed to be best friends, but it's obvious from Nelly's chapters that she really doesn't like much about Leni- she's annoyed Leni wants to date someone their senior year, and then she's pretty much hateful and not at all supportive when Leni gets captain over her. Although, to be fair, they should have been co-captains. Nelly has the ideas and the drive, but she's not a people person at all, and Leni was a good anchor to that. Nelly didn't do any reflection on why her teammates didn't vote for her. And she pulls away from Leni so fast that I just don't buy their friendship.
And then there's Leni. She really should have turned down being the captain- not for Nelly's sake, but because she's still recovering from a serious concussion and all that stress made things worse. She, like Nelly, is often blinded by her own ambition. She's also a terrible friend because she didn't check in on Nelly- not after being made captain, and then most certainly not after Nelly was the only person suspended over the kneeling. That's when she should have roused the school to support Nelly- as a POC who was most definitely being discriminated against and targeted, which was why Leni and the team wanted to take a knee during the anthem in the first place.
I can't remember if it was Three's aunt or Leni's rabbi who said that a moment isn't a movement, but that really stuck with me. Leni expected instant change, but I do think by the end she realizes she has to keep showing up and staying involved to affect real change.
And then there's Three. I really thought he and Leni were a couple, as much as two super focused high school athletes can be, so I was a bit taken aback by his comment about her not even being a distraction. Damn. Leni should have stuck to her guns in the beginning and not messed with him. The promposal was stupid and sappy and I hated it. Although, I guess seeing how his parents treat him, and especially Leni, it's not too hard to see why Three was not good with relationships.
While I'm Not Dying With You Tonight was about people coming together, this book was more about people drifting apart, which does happen. But man, what a bummer. It's weird, because I thing both Leni and Nelly's journeys were important ones, but I think the book would have been stronger if it hadn't been dual prospective. It was just hard to root for either character when they weren't rooting for each other.
Leni and Nelly are supposed to be best friends, but it's obvious from Nelly's chapters that she really doesn't like much about Leni- she's annoyed Leni wants to date someone their senior year, and then she's pretty much hateful and not at all supportive when Leni gets captain over her. Although, to be fair, they should have been co-captains. Nelly has the ideas and the drive, but she's not a people person at all, and Leni was a good anchor to that. Nelly didn't do any reflection on why her teammates didn't vote for her. And she pulls away from Leni so fast that I just don't buy their friendship.
And then there's Leni. She really should have turned down being the captain- not for Nelly's sake, but because she's still recovering from a serious concussion and all that stress made things worse. She, like Nelly, is often blinded by her own ambition. She's also a terrible friend because she didn't check in on Nelly- not after being made captain, and then most certainly not after Nelly was the only person suspended over the kneeling. That's when she should have roused the school to support Nelly- as a POC who was most definitely being discriminated against and targeted, which was why Leni and the team wanted to take a knee during the anthem in the first place.
I can't remember if it was Three's aunt or Leni's rabbi who said that a moment isn't a movement, but that really stuck with me. Leni expected instant change, but I do think by the end she realizes she has to keep showing up and staying involved to affect real change.
And then there's Three. I really thought he and Leni were a couple, as much as two super focused high school athletes can be, so I was a bit taken aback by his comment about her not even being a distraction. Damn. Leni should have stuck to her guns in the beginning and not messed with him. The promposal was stupid and sappy and I hated it. Although, I guess seeing how his parents treat him, and especially Leni, it's not too hard to see why Three was not good with relationships.
While I'm Not Dying With You Tonight was about people coming together, this book was more about people drifting apart, which does happen. But man, what a bummer. It's weird, because I thing both Leni and Nelly's journeys were important ones, but I think the book would have been stronger if it hadn't been dual prospective. It was just hard to root for either character when they weren't rooting for each other.
April 15, 2021
Why We Fly is a story that reflects events and situations our students NEED to read about. At the heart of the story are friends, having to navigate not only their senior year and all the pressure and energy that goes into planning for the next step but also their individual struggles. The main characters are all athletes and there is another pressing aspect with collegiate tryouts that influence decisions.
One deals with her recovery from a serious concussion, the other with a secret addiction, and another deals with overbearing parents. Topics are handled with knowledge and realistic consequences and outcomes. It is always a relief when it is easy to see that an author has done the relevant research to approach important issues.
The all-encompassing event occurs when the cheer team hastily decides to kneel during the national anthem in support of racial injustice. Again, the authors do an excellent job telling this part of the story. The side characters are well-developed and help move the story along.
This book grabbed my attention from the start and was hard to put down, however, I did hit a snag at about 80% when the characters were individually dealing with the hot issue. The tone shifted, wasn't as engaging, and didn't quite feel authentically the characters' voices. However, the last 10% picked up again as growth and resolution came about. Overall, I closed the book happy and will be recommending it as a book club selection so I am rounding up to a 5-star rating.
Timely topics: friendship, athletes, race, protests, civil rights, concussion awareness, self-medicating with marijuana, vaping, parent/child relationships
Thank you to Edelweiss+ for sharing this ARC with me.
One deals with her recovery from a serious concussion, the other with a secret addiction, and another deals with overbearing parents. Topics are handled with knowledge and realistic consequences and outcomes. It is always a relief when it is easy to see that an author has done the relevant research to approach important issues.
The all-encompassing event occurs when the cheer team hastily decides to kneel during the national anthem in support of racial injustice. Again, the authors do an excellent job telling this part of the story. The side characters are well-developed and help move the story along.
This book grabbed my attention from the start and was hard to put down, however, I did hit a snag at about 80% when the characters were individually dealing with the hot issue. The tone shifted, wasn't as engaging, and didn't quite feel authentically the characters' voices. However, the last 10% picked up again as growth and resolution came about. Overall, I closed the book happy and will be recommending it as a book club selection so I am rounding up to a 5-star rating.
Timely topics: friendship, athletes, race, protests, civil rights, concussion awareness, self-medicating with marijuana, vaping, parent/child relationships
Thank you to Edelweiss+ for sharing this ARC with me.
February 21, 2024
Working through my backlog and found this one tucked away!
The authors are a duo and are both white and black like their respective characters (although I don’t know if they only wrote their side??). I picked this up for the premise and cover of this book. Being about the wave of kneeling protests during the national anthem is the main focus as well as the impacts this had on athletes who joined. I liked the choice to keep it in 2019 bc I’m tired of books trying to include 2020 just to be relevant.
There were a couple things I felt lacking in this novel though. For what it sought to do I feel it failed to convey the true meaning of protest against police brutality against minorities. Even that is scraping the top of the issue and was barely touched on which bothered me.
The fact that the white FMC is the first POV and confused me like between the cover and the authors blurb, why not lead with the black FMC? Idk I just felt like this book was trying too hard to be almost stereotypical yet not enough where it mattered. I wanted this to be something ignorant people could read and understand what really happened and other than honestly only 2 instances of overt racism and one single explanation of why, I was disappointed but still enjoyed the overall high school drama.
The reason for the protest itself is barely explained before they actually do anything. 100 pages and they failed to show any examples of the injustices and abuse that black people suffer from disproportionally. It felt like a side project that they started writing and then just threw this idea in. I wanted more to show from this book especially since it had the chance to be so educational and actually revolutionary. Instead it kinda fell flat and felt more like white saviorism (I am white woman fyi so ofc I’m gonna call out my own)
I did like when leni got herself talked to about what really was going on but I wish more follow-up has happened. And when Chanel got suspended they should’ve done more. Like that was her best friend but I guess not LOL. And why was Chanel the weeed pen smoker?? And that’s she’s caught after taking one (1) puff, spraying everything, changing clothes, and running around? Absolutely not how that works LMAO iAnd the fact that it was Lenis brother that taught her?? Why not just make it leni?? But I guess that wouldn’t fit the overt racism they’re trying to show.
I loved the part with leni and her rabbi since it was the only part calling her out in an actual abc way but the ending was just so rushed! Also her and three and not gonna last long omg
This was still an enjoyable and slightly educational novel. I am definitely not an educator on the subject so I will leave the harsher and actual critiques and praise to the ones who recognize the story within. I just had my quips with it and what I was hoping it wanted to accomplish.
The authors are a duo and are both white and black like their respective characters (although I don’t know if they only wrote their side??). I picked this up for the premise and cover of this book. Being about the wave of kneeling protests during the national anthem is the main focus as well as the impacts this had on athletes who joined. I liked the choice to keep it in 2019 bc I’m tired of books trying to include 2020 just to be relevant.
There were a couple things I felt lacking in this novel though. For what it sought to do I feel it failed to convey the true meaning of protest against police brutality against minorities. Even that is scraping the top of the issue and was barely touched on which bothered me.
The fact that the white FMC is the first POV and confused me like between the cover and the authors blurb, why not lead with the black FMC? Idk I just felt like this book was trying too hard to be almost stereotypical yet not enough where it mattered. I wanted this to be something ignorant people could read and understand what really happened and other than honestly only 2 instances of overt racism and one single explanation of why, I was disappointed but still enjoyed the overall high school drama.
The reason for the protest itself is barely explained before they actually do anything. 100 pages and they failed to show any examples of the injustices and abuse that black people suffer from disproportionally. It felt like a side project that they started writing and then just threw this idea in. I wanted more to show from this book especially since it had the chance to be so educational and actually revolutionary. Instead it kinda fell flat and felt more like white saviorism (I am white woman fyi so ofc I’m gonna call out my own)
I did like when leni got herself talked to about what really was going on but I wish more follow-up has happened. And when Chanel got suspended they should’ve done more. Like that was her best friend but I guess not LOL. And why was Chanel the weeed pen smoker?? And that’s she’s caught after taking one (1) puff, spraying everything, changing clothes, and running around? Absolutely not how that works LMAO iAnd the fact that it was Lenis brother that taught her?? Why not just make it leni?? But I guess that wouldn’t fit the overt racism they’re trying to show.
I loved the part with leni and her rabbi since it was the only part calling her out in an actual abc way but the ending was just so rushed! Also her and three and not gonna last long omg
This was still an enjoyable and slightly educational novel. I am definitely not an educator on the subject so I will leave the harsher and actual critiques and praise to the ones who recognize the story within. I just had my quips with it and what I was hoping it wanted to accomplish.
November 2, 2021
This book started out really good but I think it started to fizzle out about midway. I still finished it, but I’m not sure if I would read another by this author.
October 31, 2021
I was really excited to read this book. Co-written by two authors, each bringing their own experiences and world view to this story about friendship that comes up against a difficult moral stand and where things go from there sounded really promising. Unfortunately, it didn't deliver for me at all.
The two best friends, Leni and Nelly, are an excellent opportunity to explore how a racial issue and standing up for what you think is right can lead to diverse consequences for different people and how we can understand our own privilege and repair bridges when a well-meaning but ill-considered stand takes its toll on a friendship. Unfortunately, I don't buy that Leni and Nelly are best friends or even like each other at all. They are not at all supportive of each other, hardly talk to each other through the course of the book, and even when directly told that one hasn't asked the other her feelings at all, nothing changes.
All the characters go through a furor of press and consequences over taking a knee but the only person to have a long term impact is
I don't really understand what these kids are thinking or doing and the whole main conflict dies down almost immediately via a fast forward and off-stage resolution. Really unsatisfying and honestly confusing.
The two best friends, Leni and Nelly, are an excellent opportunity to explore how a racial issue and standing up for what you think is right can lead to diverse consequences for different people and how we can understand our own privilege and repair bridges when a well-meaning but ill-considered stand takes its toll on a friendship. Unfortunately, I don't buy that Leni and Nelly are best friends or even like each other at all. They are not at all supportive of each other, hardly talk to each other through the course of the book, and even when directly told that one hasn't asked the other her feelings at all, nothing changes.
All the characters go through a furor of press and consequences over taking a knee but the only person to have a long term impact is
I don't really understand what these kids are thinking or doing and the whole main conflict dies down almost immediately via a fast forward and off-stage resolution. Really unsatisfying and honestly confusing.
January 6, 2023
I'm just the latest in a string of disappointed readers after finishing this book. I can only reiterate what other reviewers have said; it started out strong, it had something to say, and then it got caught up in high school and completely flopped. After someone got suspended, the sole Black participator, NOTHING HAPPENED. What the hell? I was expecting so so much more commentary on racism, social justice, etc and absolutely nothing happened. I was and am a firm supporter of Colin Kaepernick's actions when he knelt during the national anthem during a 2016 football game and I'm so unbelievably disappointed that this book petered out.
October 7, 2021
This one snagged a spot in my top 10 books of the year for so many reasons but mostly because it was real, raw and eye opening. Everyone needs to read this.
August 10, 2022
Good, but nothing to set it apart from other books with similar themes, other than it's a stereotypically unaffected group of students doing it.
August 21, 2021
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✧
4/5 Stars
Synopsis: This book takes a deep and much needed dive into social injustice. Eleanor and Chanel are teenage best friends who become interested in wanting to change the way their school handles discrimination. They decide to take a knee during the national anthem at the football game, ensuing drama and betrayals in their relationships.
I read this book in less than 24 hours, it was so addicting. The beginning was a little slow but about 40% through I definitely was invested. This book is an essential read for teens looking to make a difference, and a great way to inform them about how to do so.
I was glad that the squad had people to look up to and seek for help such as Rhonda, Rabbi Spinrad, and Cody Knight to teach them how to successfully make a difference and why is it important to do what they are doing. At the beginning of the book it is revealed that Eleanor (Leni) suffered a concussion and as a result has headaches. I was pleasantly surprised that the symptoms lasted the whole book, as normally authors may forget about or skip over a factor that the book was very focused on at the beginning. Even though the main focus of this book is social injustice it does a good job of also portraying normal high school problems, goals, and relationships. Also how teens deal with high expectations and college pressure from teachers and parents, substance abuse, and depression. This book teaches teens or anyone who wants change to stand up for what you believe in, and that some people may disagree. The downfalls of this book were I occasionally forgot/couldn’t tell who’s point of view I was reading at that moment. After Leni talks to Rhonda about how else she can help, it feels like the social injustice plot fizzles out. Overall this was a great read and very informative!
Favorite Quotes:
1. “ ‘Well-behaved women rarely make history’ “
2. “ ‘We’re protesting injustice in this country. I can’t imagine that will all be fixed by Friday night. Why would we go back to pretending everything’s fine, now that we’ve made it clear that we think it’s not?’ ”
3. “ ‘An ally supports a cause without suffering any consequences for their actions. But an accomplice takes the hits along with the people they’re trying to support.’ ”
4/5 Stars
Synopsis: This book takes a deep and much needed dive into social injustice. Eleanor and Chanel are teenage best friends who become interested in wanting to change the way their school handles discrimination. They decide to take a knee during the national anthem at the football game, ensuing drama and betrayals in their relationships.
I read this book in less than 24 hours, it was so addicting. The beginning was a little slow but about 40% through I definitely was invested. This book is an essential read for teens looking to make a difference, and a great way to inform them about how to do so.
I was glad that the squad had people to look up to and seek for help such as Rhonda, Rabbi Spinrad, and Cody Knight to teach them how to successfully make a difference and why is it important to do what they are doing. At the beginning of the book it is revealed that Eleanor (Leni) suffered a concussion and as a result has headaches. I was pleasantly surprised that the symptoms lasted the whole book, as normally authors may forget about or skip over a factor that the book was very focused on at the beginning. Even though the main focus of this book is social injustice it does a good job of also portraying normal high school problems, goals, and relationships. Also how teens deal with high expectations and college pressure from teachers and parents, substance abuse, and depression. This book teaches teens or anyone who wants change to stand up for what you believe in, and that some people may disagree. The downfalls of this book were I occasionally forgot/couldn’t tell who’s point of view I was reading at that moment. After Leni talks to Rhonda about how else she can help, it feels like the social injustice plot fizzles out. Overall this was a great read and very informative!
Favorite Quotes:
1. “ ‘Well-behaved women rarely make history’ “
2. “ ‘We’re protesting injustice in this country. I can’t imagine that will all be fixed by Friday night. Why would we go back to pretending everything’s fine, now that we’ve made it clear that we think it’s not?’ ”
3. “ ‘An ally supports a cause without suffering any consequences for their actions. But an accomplice takes the hits along with the people they’re trying to support.’ ”
September 30, 2021
First off the rep in this book is awesome! We have strong POC rep and Jewish rep!
I loved the scenes with Leni and her Rabbi. It was so wonderful to see a non-religious Jewish character embrace their religion and seek guidance from a Rabbi.
This book tackles a lot of really timely topics such as systemic racism and white privilege, while still keeping a high school feel. I found the way these topics were discussed was well done.
I loved the scenes with Leni and her Rabbi. It was so wonderful to see a non-religious Jewish character embrace their religion and seek guidance from a Rabbi.
This book tackles a lot of really timely topics such as systemic racism and white privilege, while still keeping a high school feel. I found the way these topics were discussed was well done.
March 18, 2022
I thought the premise of this sounded super interesting, but we got no closure from the story. I really struggled to connect to the characters who were really vague. Mainly I just hated the fact that we didn’t get any closure or resolution between the girls.
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May 9, 2022I don't think they ever said why they fly tho
September 9, 2023
2/5 MAJOR LETDOWN
This book was a major let down and not at all what the cover promised. I was hoping this would be a story about high school students stepping into the world of racial inequality and peaceful protesting but this is NOT at all what I got.
To start, the pacing was all over the place. It started painstakingly slow, with a lot of premise building that was never revisited or didn’t pay off, then was so fast paced at the end that I couldn’t keep straight what going on. Literally had no idea what month we were in half the time. Things happened, like Lenny getting accepted to a college, that barely got a passing mention, while other things like Nelly’s weed addiction was the main focus for far too long and was never really resolved.
There were WAY too many storylines, most of which didn’t feel relevant to the original plot of the story. Lenny and Nelly had storylines that didn’t need to be there (the concussion, the weed), and the focus turned from them protesting and the resulting repercussions of that to them whining about their lives. Things happened, like Nelly being punished and no one else, that could’ve been focused on instead. They never really revisited the topic of protesting or WHY they were protesting in the first place, and/or their reasoning for supporting Cody Knight. Essentially, anything of importance from the first half was dropped and forgotten about.
By the time I got to the end, I was furious at how nearly everything had been wrapped up or completely ignored. Three gets to play college football, Nelly got praised and the special scholarship despite not really doing ANYTHING, and there was a total lack of conclusion for Lenny. Poor Lenny, who was actually making an effort to be involved in some sort of social justice was left with a “maybe she’ll make the cheerleading team” and “maybe she’ll see Three again”. What a consolation prize for her.
Also, I truly hated some of the characters, while others felt like the weren’t even fully fleshed out. Nelly came off as “holier than thou” and truly seemed to dislike the girl she claims is her best friend. Nelly completely disregards Lenny dealing with her previous injuries, and by the end completely shrugs off their entire friendship “since they’ll be going to college and growing apart anyways”. Three spends the entire book stringing Lenny along, was against them protesting in the first place, refused to do anything else following the protests, was incredibly rude to Lenny and called her a distraction to him, then was praised like he was the hero of the story. He had nothing to do with the protests and didn’t do anything following the original protest, but received a ‘special shout-out from Cody Knight’ on college signing day. Also his parents were AWFUL, mean to Lenny, and super confusing in their treatment of their son.
My biggest issue lies in the fact that this book could have been good had there been more focus on the actual social justice aspect. There easily could’ve been three perspectives (Lenny - a white Jewish girl, Nelly - a black girl, and Three - a black guy), and their own experiences tied to peaceful protesting and work with social justice following them taking a knee. Instead, they completely avoided approaching WHY Three was against protesting as young Black male, WHY Nelly as a Black woman was the only one punished, or HOW Lenny’s Jewish roots and ties to her friends made her part of this as well. All of this was dropped and the second half of the book focused on ‘normal teenage high school stuff’ instead of really diving into how protesting (or not protesting) impacted their lives. Overall, super disappointed and a total waste of my time.
(I listened to this as an audiobook, and despised the girls doing the readings for each character. It took me forever to get through as an audiobook, but probably wouldn’t have finished this had I read it as a physical book)
This book was a major let down and not at all what the cover promised. I was hoping this would be a story about high school students stepping into the world of racial inequality and peaceful protesting but this is NOT at all what I got.
To start, the pacing was all over the place. It started painstakingly slow, with a lot of premise building that was never revisited or didn’t pay off, then was so fast paced at the end that I couldn’t keep straight what going on. Literally had no idea what month we were in half the time. Things happened, like Lenny getting accepted to a college, that barely got a passing mention, while other things like Nelly’s weed addiction was the main focus for far too long and was never really resolved.
There were WAY too many storylines, most of which didn’t feel relevant to the original plot of the story. Lenny and Nelly had storylines that didn’t need to be there (the concussion, the weed), and the focus turned from them protesting and the resulting repercussions of that to them whining about their lives. Things happened, like Nelly being punished and no one else, that could’ve been focused on instead. They never really revisited the topic of protesting or WHY they were protesting in the first place, and/or their reasoning for supporting Cody Knight. Essentially, anything of importance from the first half was dropped and forgotten about.
By the time I got to the end, I was furious at how nearly everything had been wrapped up or completely ignored. Three gets to play college football, Nelly got praised and the special scholarship despite not really doing ANYTHING, and there was a total lack of conclusion for Lenny. Poor Lenny, who was actually making an effort to be involved in some sort of social justice was left with a “maybe she’ll make the cheerleading team” and “maybe she’ll see Three again”. What a consolation prize for her.
Also, I truly hated some of the characters, while others felt like the weren’t even fully fleshed out. Nelly came off as “holier than thou” and truly seemed to dislike the girl she claims is her best friend. Nelly completely disregards Lenny dealing with her previous injuries, and by the end completely shrugs off their entire friendship “since they’ll be going to college and growing apart anyways”. Three spends the entire book stringing Lenny along, was against them protesting in the first place, refused to do anything else following the protests, was incredibly rude to Lenny and called her a distraction to him, then was praised like he was the hero of the story. He had nothing to do with the protests and didn’t do anything following the original protest, but received a ‘special shout-out from Cody Knight’ on college signing day. Also his parents were AWFUL, mean to Lenny, and super confusing in their treatment of their son.
My biggest issue lies in the fact that this book could have been good had there been more focus on the actual social justice aspect. There easily could’ve been three perspectives (Lenny - a white Jewish girl, Nelly - a black girl, and Three - a black guy), and their own experiences tied to peaceful protesting and work with social justice following them taking a knee. Instead, they completely avoided approaching WHY Three was against protesting as young Black male, WHY Nelly as a Black woman was the only one punished, or HOW Lenny’s Jewish roots and ties to her friends made her part of this as well. All of this was dropped and the second half of the book focused on ‘normal teenage high school stuff’ instead of really diving into how protesting (or not protesting) impacted their lives. Overall, super disappointed and a total waste of my time.
(I listened to this as an audiobook, and despised the girls doing the readings for each character. It took me forever to get through as an audiobook, but probably wouldn’t have finished this had I read it as a physical book)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 29, 2021With their 2017 young adult novel debut I’m Not Dying With You Tonight, co-authors Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal established their ability to create a drama rooted in social justice and driven by a high-energy dual narrative. Why We Fly is another taut dual narrative that lands every punch it throws.
The first hundred pages focus on an intensely competitive cheerleading team led by its captain, Eleanor, a white, Jewish athlete recovering from a concussion; and Chanel, a Black elite cheerleader consumed by excelling in both academics and cheerleading. Leni and Nelly, as they are called, have been friends forever, but Leni being named as captain doesn’t sit well with Nell.
Why We Fly makes its move when the team choreographs taking a knee during the patriotic activities before a game during their football team’s state championship run. The cheerleaders take pride in their own version of patriotism as they use their free speech rights to take a stand against American racial injustice. At first, the cheerleaders are praised for their courage, but the school’s administration is not amused. The team is punished in various ways, while one team member is singled out with especially harsh consequences.
The alternating voices and perspectives of Eleanor and Chanel reveal different sides of the novel’s relationships and issues as they address not just the interplay between free speech and equity but also mental health, substance abuse, and parental pressure. A misstep in the plot is the on-again-off-again romance between the cheerleading captain and the star quarterback that would be more interesting if these roles were less trite. In a couple of places, the authenticity of the high school setting is affected when characters use legalistic language in conversation and with the reference to “AP Brit Lit.” There is no such thing as an Advanced Placement British Literature test, and it’s against Advanced Placement policy to have a course with this name. AP students who read this book will notice the error.
Why We Fly will appeal to young readers interested in competitive ccheerleading, alternating-voice narratives, and books featuring social protest, such as The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow, Internment by Samira Ahmed, Parkland by Dave Cullen, Dear Rachel Maddow by Adrienne Kinzer, Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu, the March trilogy by John Lewis, and numerous others in this burgeoning genre.
The first hundred pages focus on an intensely competitive cheerleading team led by its captain, Eleanor, a white, Jewish athlete recovering from a concussion; and Chanel, a Black elite cheerleader consumed by excelling in both academics and cheerleading. Leni and Nelly, as they are called, have been friends forever, but Leni being named as captain doesn’t sit well with Nell.
Why We Fly makes its move when the team choreographs taking a knee during the patriotic activities before a game during their football team’s state championship run. The cheerleaders take pride in their own version of patriotism as they use their free speech rights to take a stand against American racial injustice. At first, the cheerleaders are praised for their courage, but the school’s administration is not amused. The team is punished in various ways, while one team member is singled out with especially harsh consequences.
The alternating voices and perspectives of Eleanor and Chanel reveal different sides of the novel’s relationships and issues as they address not just the interplay between free speech and equity but also mental health, substance abuse, and parental pressure. A misstep in the plot is the on-again-off-again romance between the cheerleading captain and the star quarterback that would be more interesting if these roles were less trite. In a couple of places, the authenticity of the high school setting is affected when characters use legalistic language in conversation and with the reference to “AP Brit Lit.” There is no such thing as an Advanced Placement British Literature test, and it’s against Advanced Placement policy to have a course with this name. AP students who read this book will notice the error.
Why We Fly will appeal to young readers interested in competitive ccheerleading, alternating-voice narratives, and books featuring social protest, such as The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow, Internment by Samira Ahmed, Parkland by Dave Cullen, Dear Rachel Maddow by Adrienne Kinzer, Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu, the March trilogy by John Lewis, and numerous others in this burgeoning genre.
September 13, 2021
I was left a little disappointed by the way things went with a few of the main relationships... for example:
Three was not as emotionally mature and available as he seemed to be for a good chunk of the book. I felt a bit blindsided by the fact that he apparently wasn’t really seeing what he and Leni had as a real relationship. I was glad that Leni spoke up for herself towards the end and wanted him to be clear about his intentions, but it hurt my heart a bit that this is where they ended up in the first place.
Second, I really wasn’t fond of Nelly for much of the book and felt she was much too critical and harsh when it came to Leni. You can be aware of ways in which your best friend can improve without being downright mean. It was kind of depressing to see the journey that they went on as friends and to see that it only ended up with them being further apart - and with college on the horizon, what’s left of their friendship really probably won’t last at all.
Third, Three’s parents made me so angry and his mother especially really needed her comeuppance somewhere along the line for the disparaging remarks she made to/about Leni. I didn’t like how that had no resolution. I guess there was a lot in this story that didn’t have any resolution - it’s realistic in that way, but not uplifting and I could use some uplifting.
Other than that, I thought this was a really great read, really well done and brings up a lot of important issues - including the conflict that can occur when you’re staging a protest to try to help a community at large, but it has negative consequences on the people closest to you who are from that community. What do you do? Do you proceed? When are your attempts at helping not really helping anymore? Are there better choices you can make that WILL be helpful?
The authors did a good job of showing the journey a character can go on in these circumstances, and how they can be a good ally to an extent but still have their blind spots and areas that they can improve in - even something as simple as caring about what your friends are going through and what they’re thinking, and not just making assumptions without having a conversation, and not realizing that they could have harsher consequences for the same actions because of the color of their skin. It hurt to see how Leni’s close relationships kind of fell apart with this negligence being basically the main reason.
Three was not as emotionally mature and available as he seemed to be for a good chunk of the book. I felt a bit blindsided by the fact that he apparently wasn’t really seeing what he and Leni had as a real relationship. I was glad that Leni spoke up for herself towards the end and wanted him to be clear about his intentions, but it hurt my heart a bit that this is where they ended up in the first place.
Second, I really wasn’t fond of Nelly for much of the book and felt she was much too critical and harsh when it came to Leni. You can be aware of ways in which your best friend can improve without being downright mean. It was kind of depressing to see the journey that they went on as friends and to see that it only ended up with them being further apart - and with college on the horizon, what’s left of their friendship really probably won’t last at all.
Third, Three’s parents made me so angry and his mother especially really needed her comeuppance somewhere along the line for the disparaging remarks she made to/about Leni. I didn’t like how that had no resolution. I guess there was a lot in this story that didn’t have any resolution - it’s realistic in that way, but not uplifting and I could use some uplifting.
Other than that, I thought this was a really great read, really well done and brings up a lot of important issues - including the conflict that can occur when you’re staging a protest to try to help a community at large, but it has negative consequences on the people closest to you who are from that community. What do you do? Do you proceed? When are your attempts at helping not really helping anymore? Are there better choices you can make that WILL be helpful?
The authors did a good job of showing the journey a character can go on in these circumstances, and how they can be a good ally to an extent but still have their blind spots and areas that they can improve in - even something as simple as caring about what your friends are going through and what they’re thinking, and not just making assumptions without having a conversation, and not realizing that they could have harsher consequences for the same actions because of the color of their skin. It hurt to see how Leni’s close relationships kind of fell apart with this negligence being basically the main reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2021
Life-long friends Chanel and Eleanor are determined that their cheer squad will make Nationals this year, their senior year. While Eleanor spends their summer break recovering from a concussion, Chanel is at cheer camp honing her skills.
While attending physical therapy sessions, Eleanor runs into the school’s star quarter-back, Three. Three is bound for greatness, and his parents don’t ever let him forget it. A budding relationship with a cheerleader doesn’t fit into their plans for their son.
As the school year begins, a rift opens between Chanel and Eleanor as Eleanor and Three continue their summer relationship. And things get worse when the cheer team make a last minute decision to take a knee during the national anthem at the first football game of the season and even though Eleanor is team captain, Chanel takes the brunt of the school’s displeasure when she is suspended.
This is a story about friendship, about how friendships change, about ambition and about race.
‘I look down and notice my mother give my dad’s hand a little squeeze. He glances at her, and they lock eyes for a second. I’ve seen that squeeze before. Although my dad wouldn’t hurt a fly, his stature and his tone when he gets excited can seem intimidating to white people. He takes a deep breathe, and when he speaks next, I notice his voice has softened. His proud posture deflates, as it does whenever he is forced to unfairly censor himself in the presence of white people.’
The consequences they start by taking a knee at the football game sees Chanel and Eleanor both start to learn more about social activism and re-evaluate their friendship, and their priorities.
‘Living up to a legacy doesn’t mean celebrating it. It means we pick up the baton and keep running the race.’
‘Why we fly’ is a valuable book for high school libraries and the sports focus of the story will hopefully appeal to readers who may not necessarily be drawn to reading stories that explore issues of race and social justice.
Thanks to NetGalley and SourceBooks Fire for the review copy of this book.
While attending physical therapy sessions, Eleanor runs into the school’s star quarter-back, Three. Three is bound for greatness, and his parents don’t ever let him forget it. A budding relationship with a cheerleader doesn’t fit into their plans for their son.
As the school year begins, a rift opens between Chanel and Eleanor as Eleanor and Three continue their summer relationship. And things get worse when the cheer team make a last minute decision to take a knee during the national anthem at the first football game of the season and even though Eleanor is team captain, Chanel takes the brunt of the school’s displeasure when she is suspended.
This is a story about friendship, about how friendships change, about ambition and about race.
‘I look down and notice my mother give my dad’s hand a little squeeze. He glances at her, and they lock eyes for a second. I’ve seen that squeeze before. Although my dad wouldn’t hurt a fly, his stature and his tone when he gets excited can seem intimidating to white people. He takes a deep breathe, and when he speaks next, I notice his voice has softened. His proud posture deflates, as it does whenever he is forced to unfairly censor himself in the presence of white people.’
The consequences they start by taking a knee at the football game sees Chanel and Eleanor both start to learn more about social activism and re-evaluate their friendship, and their priorities.
‘Living up to a legacy doesn’t mean celebrating it. It means we pick up the baton and keep running the race.’
‘Why we fly’ is a valuable book for high school libraries and the sports focus of the story will hopefully appeal to readers who may not necessarily be drawn to reading stories that explore issues of race and social justice.
Thanks to NetGalley and SourceBooks Fire for the review copy of this book.
October 2, 2021
Why We Fly is a contemporary novel about two teens in a cheer squad and the decisions they make regarding social justice. It is a really powerful and important read about being an ally, and how sometimes when you try to do something good it doesn’t turn out that great. I thought this book was really good. I love the authors and their other works, so I was excited about this one and really enjoyed it.
It follows Eleanor and Chanel as their friendship is facing a rocky patch and their cheerleading squad decides to take a knee, and while at first it seems like a show of solidarity and support, just pushes them further apart. I liked that Eleanor was white and Chanel was Black because I could see how they each reacted differently to the situations around them regarding race and social justice.
I really liked all the characters and thought they were all so different from each other which made it really interesting, but mainly the two POVs. I enjoyed the character development because I found it interesting to see how their actions, which were almost the same, made them have different resolutions and how both of them came to terms with the whole concept of social justice.
I think every teen should read this, because it highlights the parts of social justice that happen behind the scenes and that you don’t normally see on social media. I think that is really important to learn about. It is absolutely worth reading. Anyone with an interest in social justice, powerful women, and complex friendships will probably enjoy it.
It follows Eleanor and Chanel as their friendship is facing a rocky patch and their cheerleading squad decides to take a knee, and while at first it seems like a show of solidarity and support, just pushes them further apart. I liked that Eleanor was white and Chanel was Black because I could see how they each reacted differently to the situations around them regarding race and social justice.
I really liked all the characters and thought they were all so different from each other which made it really interesting, but mainly the two POVs. I enjoyed the character development because I found it interesting to see how their actions, which were almost the same, made them have different resolutions and how both of them came to terms with the whole concept of social justice.
I think every teen should read this, because it highlights the parts of social justice that happen behind the scenes and that you don’t normally see on social media. I think that is really important to learn about. It is absolutely worth reading. Anyone with an interest in social justice, powerful women, and complex friendships will probably enjoy it.
October 9, 2021
I really liked the authors' previous book, which similarly went back and forth between two teenage narrators, one black and one white, in a shared storyline. In this case, a pair of long-time BFFs, both fiercely dedicated to their cheer team, are already starting to go their separate ways as they deal with their individual lives and the pressure of future plans. During a national debate on activism in sports, inspired by a fictional Colin Kaepernick-like athlete, the cheer team impulsively decides to take a knee at a football game. All sorts of repercussions spiral out from there, affecting friendships, family, and romances. I liked that we had a chance to get into the rhythm of the characters' daily lives, getting a real feel for who they were and what mattered to them. When they take their action, the idea evolves naturally, and they believably don't think it's going to be a life-changing experience. They feel energized and positive about it, and are dumb-founded when all sorts of motives are attributed to it. Both narrators feel real, and their conflicts are ones where we can see both sides, understanding why they feel like they do even when they may be in the wrong. Anyway, I sped through it! (For the record, I have zero natural affinity for football, sports, or cheerleading, and this is a world where everyone is interested in sports of different kinds, but I was still able to get absorbed in it, as the characters' world and what's important to them).
February 20, 2022
Leni and Chanel are best friends and cheerleaders determined to take their team to nationals. When they make a spur of the moment decision to kneel during the national anthem at the first football game of the year, they are not prepared for the consequences. At first everyone applauds their efforts. Except for the school administration and the football coach. The cheer team is banned from the field until the game is underway. Leni, the captain of the team who is white and Jewish, faces very few consequences. Chanel, who is Black, is suspended for two weeks. She fears this will adversely affect her college applications. As the two try to navigate their way through the differing responses to their actions, they also are trying to qualify for the national cheerleading competition and save their senior year. Highly recommended for grades 8 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
October 31, 2021
Powerful, nuanced and brilliantly written. This was a superb exploration of white privilege, racism, feminism, friendship and the exceptions put upon teens from society, parents, education and more. Both Eleanor and Chanel's individual voices were so strong and I loved watching their characters develop and grow throughout the story. I also thought the audiobook narrators were both fantastic. This book may have been short but it definitely packed a punch and succeeded in delivering its message.
TW: racism
TW: racism
November 17, 2021
2.5 stars Like others, I really enjoyed the first half of the book and the alternating storylines of the two best friends which tackled many real world issues going on today. However, the second half felt very speedy and like an afterschool special on TV. Everything fit where it was supposed to, and it was all too polished. Disappointed because I was truly interested in how they would resolve their conflicts, and everything was tied up instead with the figurative bow.
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