Flying Lessons & Other Stories

All the stories except one are written from the first-person point of view. Choose any two of these stories (#2-10) and examine how they would change if written from a second-person perspective (like Matt de la Pena’s “How to Transform…”). Consider how this shift would impact theme, symbolism, or tone in each story you choose.

One theme evident in the collection is Embracing Identity in the Face of Societal Expectations. Many of the characters in these narratives struggle with who they are and who they long to be. What other theme related to identity is evident in at least two stories? Use textual evidence from each story to support your thinking.

Identity is made up of many components—such as gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, class, ability, etc.—and never just one thing. As a result, many people experience the world through a combination of these elements of identity. This is called intersectionality. Choose a character from one story and explain how multiple parts of their identity overlap to influence their experiences. Use textual evidence from the story to support your thinking.