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 an Indigenous boy, also an outsider, Jason finds he needs to fight to belong and to find a new home.
"Yee's slim novel packs in a lot."
– Booklist
"While maintaining young readers' interest in the plot, Yee's novel will also help them to develop and gain confidence in their reading skills."
– CM Magazine
"Reluctant readers will be drawn to this book because of the content and its length."
– VOYA
"Highly recommended."
– Tucson Unified School District
"[Yee's] characters and their life struggles ring true and are likely to connect well with teen readers. Written in a fast-paced, easy-to-read style, this book should be successful with reluctant readers."
– TeensReadToo.com
"This is a tale about the effects of prejudice and the redeeming power of friendship...A very good selection for reluctant readers in high school who need high interest books."
– Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee
"Engage[s] the reader...This book will be useful in cultural diversity classes or for students who are having a hard time finding their place in school...Recommended."
– Library Media Connection
"Fast-paced, easy-to-read drama."
– The Horn Book Guide
"There's a lot to think about in this small book. It might even be a book read to the end by kids who don't like to read."
– Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media
Download the Learning to Fly Teacher Guide.
