margot_molloy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lauriehnatiuk's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to N.H. Senzai, Shannon Hitchcock and publisher Scholastic Press and Edelwiess+ for a digital ARC of this book.
Another two point perspective entering into the world in October, this is valuable and important read to add to classrooms and libraries.
Jordyn and Noura’s lives intersect when Jordyn’s family volunteers to help Noura’s family after being granted asylum after spending two years in a Turkish refugee camp. Both girls are dealing with more than what typical middle school students experience. Jordyn, a stong competitive swimmer has been off the mark since her mother’s miscarriage that occured during one of her meets and Noura is struggling with adapting to a new life and an intense fear of water after her best friend drowned in the Mediterranean in an attempt to flee Syria.
Told in alternating chapters, we get a glimpse into what their life is like separately and as the two girls realize they have a lot in common. Their developing friendship both in school and between their families came across authentically. Readers are introduced to cultures, architecture and religion along with mental health issues and strategies to cope. This is a timely book set just after the ban to restrict Muslims from entering the States and again readers get to see the different perspectives and how individuals rise to do the right thing. Well written this book allows readers to have windows and mirrors into the lives of others. This will be a popular and welcome addition to classrooms and libraries.
Another two point perspective entering into the world in October, this is valuable and important read to add to classrooms and libraries.
Jordyn and Noura’s lives intersect when Jordyn’s family volunteers to help Noura’s family after being granted asylum after spending two years in a Turkish refugee camp. Both girls are dealing with more than what typical middle school students experience. Jordyn, a stong competitive swimmer has been off the mark since her mother’s miscarriage that occured during one of her meets and Noura is struggling with adapting to a new life and an intense fear of water after her best friend drowned in the Mediterranean in an attempt to flee Syria.
Told in alternating chapters, we get a glimpse into what their life is like separately and as the two girls realize they have a lot in common. Their developing friendship both in school and between their families came across authentically. Readers are introduced to cultures, architecture and religion along with mental health issues and strategies to cope. This is a timely book set just after the ban to restrict Muslims from entering the States and again readers get to see the different perspectives and how individuals rise to do the right thing. Well written this book allows readers to have windows and mirrors into the lives of others. This will be a popular and welcome addition to classrooms and libraries.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Another powerful look at immigration, told in two voices. Noura Alwan and her family are refugees from Syria. Jordyn and her family are helping to get the Alwans settled in Tampa, Florida. Set against the backdrop of Trump's Muslim ban in 2017, this is a moving story of resilience, friendship, and the power of words. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
jenennap29's review against another edition
5.0
So much heart, soul, and truth to this story from all angles and all characters.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
5.0
Really well done -- alternating point of view between Noura, newly arrived refugee from Syria, and Jordyn, Tampa, FL swimmer. Noura suffers panic attacks associated with water. Jordyn has worsening anxiety after her mother's miscarriage. There are a lot of big current issues in this book -- racism and religious based attacks against Muslims, grief and loss (friend, miscarriage, young soldier, mother with breast cancer), injury and extreme change of circumstances. It's also packed with people of all faiths helping each other, supporting each other's mental health, and finding ways to volubly stand up for their rights. It's also a quickly moving plot that centers on friendship. Good stuff all around.
cjeziorski's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great middle grade story told from two perspectives. Noura, a Syrian refugee, has just arrived in Tampa. Jordyn is her student ambassador and a competitive swimmer. The story alternates between the two narratives, and interweaves current events into the story. Also included are themes of mental health. Good read for a unit on migration.
readingatlast's review against another edition
5.0
"thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy for review via edelweiss"
Full review to come!
But Flying Over Water is a must read!
Full review to come!
But Flying Over Water is a must read!
lapetite's review
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I don’t know what to say about this book. While I loved the representation, this book read like someone grabbed headlines from 2017 and haphazardly threw in some characters with some story beats.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia and Religious bigotry
londibie's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0