Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Heartwarming, Relatable, Empathetic, Hopeful
- Read it if
- You enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age stories about finding your voice, the power of music, and navigating middle school friendships and identity.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fantasy or sci-fi over realistic fiction, or are looking for a story with a faster, high-stakes plot.
Blackbird Fly Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Dog Log and the Dissolution of Friendship
Twelve-year-old Apple Yengko, a Filipino-American girl in Louisiana, faces a humiliating experience when her name appears on the 'Dog Log,' a list of the 'ugliest' girls in school created by her male classmates. Her inclusion devastates her. Her two best friends, Sweetie and Cass, distance themselves. Sweetie becomes especially cold and critical, siding with the popular girls and making Apple feel isolated and ashamed of her Filipino heritage. Apple's mother, who struggles with English and traditional Filipino customs, adds to Apple's feelings of being different and 'too American,' worsening her middle school anxieties.
A Search for Identity and a Musical Escape
Overwhelmed by social struggles and feeling out of place, Apple seeks an escape. She discovers a deep connection to music, particularly rock and roll, and dreams of buying an electric guitar. She starts saving money from her allowance and odd jobs, seeing the guitar as a symbol of change and a path to a new, cooler identity. This aspiration becomes a secret, personal project that gives her purpose and hope amid daily humiliation at school. Her mother, focused on Apple's academics and traditional values, does not understand this new passion, further isolating Apple in her musical pursuit.
New Alliances: Mylo and Colette
Amid her isolation, Apple begins to notice Mylo, a quiet, quirky boy who is also an outcast, and Colette, a confident, flamboyant girl who does not care about fitting in. Initially hesitant, Apple is drawn to their genuine personalities and shared experience of being different. Mylo introduces Apple to his love for classic rock, sharing his music collection and deepening her appreciation for guitar legends. Colette, with her bold fashion sense and refusal to conform, shows Apple a world where being unique is celebrated. These new friendships give Apple much-needed support and a sense of belonging.
The School Talent Show Announcement
The school announces its annual talent show, an event that brings mixed emotions for Apple. On one hand, it is a daunting public stage she dreads. On the other, it sparks ambition: if she could learn to play guitar well enough, she might perform and prove herself. This idea, while exciting, is also terrifying. She continues to save diligently for her guitar, practicing air guitar in secret and immersing herself in Mylo's music collection, imagining herself as a rock star. The talent show becomes a looming deadline and a possible turning point for Apple's self-perception.
The Guitar Purchase and Early Struggles
After persistent saving, Apple finally has enough money for her first electric guitar. The purchase is a big moment, a tangible representation of her dreams. However, learning to play is much harder than she imagined. Her fingers ache, chords are complex, and progress is slow and frustrating. She struggles with the instrument's technical demands, often feeling discouraged. Mylo, with his vast music knowledge, tries to offer advice and encouragement, but Apple often feels inadequate, fearing she might not have the talent she hoped for. This early struggle tests her determination and commitment to her musical aspirations.
Colette's Influence and Growing Confidence
Colette helps boost Apple's self-esteem. She encourages Apple to express herself through clothing and attitude, saying that being different is a strength. Colette's individuality helps Apple question the pressure to conform and to feel ashamed of her heritage. Through Colette's influence, Apple starts to experiment with her own style and becomes more comfortable. Colette's belief in Apple's potential, both musically and personally, gives Apple the confidence she needs to keep pursuing her dreams and slowly let go of her insecurities.
Confronting Sweetie and the Past
As Apple grows more confident, she has a significant confrontation with Sweetie, her former best friend. Sweetie, still clinging to her new, popular friends, tries to belittle Apple and make her feel bad about her developing friendships with Mylo and Colette. However, Apple, no longer the insecure girl she once was, stands up for herself. She expresses her hurt and disappointment about Sweetie's betrayal, refusing to let Sweetie's words affect her anymore. This encounter marks a turning point for Apple, as she closes the chapter on that toxic friendship and fully embraces her new, supportive friends.
The Talent Show Performance
The night of the talent show arrives, filling Apple with nerves and excitement. Despite her initial stage fright, she takes the stage with her electric guitar. She plays a song she has practiced diligently, putting her heart into the performance. While not perfect, her passion and courage show through. The audience, including her mother, Mylo, and Colette, responds with applause. This performance is not about winning a prize, but about personal triumph. It is a public declaration of her identity, her resilience, and her commitment to her dreams, proving to herself and others that she is more than just the girl on the 'Dog Log.'
Reconciliation with Mother
After the talent show, Apple and her mother have a heartfelt conversation. Her mother expresses pride in Apple's bravery and talent, acknowledging that she had not fully understood Apple's passion for music. Apple, in turn, begins to understand her mother's desire to protect her and her struggles with adapting to American culture. This moment marks a shift in their relationship, moving towards mutual respect and understanding. Apple realizes that while her mother may not always understand her 'American' aspirations, she loves and supports her, bridging the cultural gap that once felt wide between them.
Embracing Her Identity
By the end of the story, Apple has embraced her multifaceted identity. She no longer feels she needs to choose between being 'Filipino' or 'American,' but sees herself as a unique individual who embodies both. Her friendships with Mylo and Colette thrive, built on authenticity and mutual respect. She continues to practice guitar, finding joy and self-expression in music. Apple learns that true belonging comes from within and from surrounding herself with people who appreciate her for who she is, rather than trying to conform to others' expectations. She is a future rock star, but more importantly, she is Apple, confident and true to herself.
Principal Figures
Apple Yengko
Protagonist
A Filipino-American middle schooler struggling with identity, friendship, and cultural assimilation.
Apple is a sensitive and introspective twelve-year-old girl who feels caught between two worlds: her Filipino heritage and American middle school culture. She is intelligent and observant but deeply insecure, especially after being targeted by the 'Dog Log.' She longs for acceptance and struggles with her mother's traditional values and English mistakes, which make Apple feel even more 'different.' Her passion for music, particularly rock and roll, becomes her secret refuge and a symbol of the confident, unique person she wishes to become.
Relationships: Apple's Mother (complex, loving but culturally strained); Sweetie (former best friend turned antagonist); Cass (former best friend, more passive); Mylo (supportive new friend, musical mentor); Colette (supportive new friend, confidence booster)
Apple's Mother
Supporting
A traditional Filipino immigrant mother who struggles with English and American culture.
Apple's mother is a loving but strict parent who emigrated from the Philippines. She is fiercely protective of Apple and works hard to provide for her, but her traditional values and limited English often create a cultural gap between her and Apple. She prioritizes academics and sees Apple's interest in music as a distraction, often criticizing Apple for becoming 'too American.' Despite her sometimes harsh words, her actions are driven by a deep love and desire for Apple's success and well-being, though she struggles to understand Apple's emotional needs.
Relationships: Apple Yengko (mother-daughter, loving but often strained by cultural differences)
Mylo
Supporting
A quirky and knowledgeable music enthusiast who becomes Apple's first new friend.
Mylo is a quiet, intelligent boy who shares Apple's status as an outcast. He is an encyclopedic expert on classic rock and a passionate music lover. Mylo is kind, unassuming, and genuinely supportive, providing Apple with a safe space to explore her musical interests without judgment. He helps Apple discover new artists and deepens her appreciation for the guitar, becoming a crucial mentor in her musical journey. His calm demeanor and shared experience of being different make him a comforting and reliable presence in Apple's life.
Relationships: Apple Yengko (close friend, shared interest in music); Colette (friend)
Colette
Supporting
A confident, flamboyant, and individualistic girl who becomes Apple's second new friend.
Colette is a bold and unapologetically unique girl who defies middle school social norms. She is confident, theatrical, and unafraid to express herself through her eccentric fashion and personality. Colette sees Apple's potential and encourages her to embrace her individuality, serving as a powerful role model. She helps Apple shed her insecurities and understand that being different is a strength. Colette's vibrant personality and unwavering support are instrumental in Apple's journey towards self-acceptance and confidence.
Relationships: Apple Yengko (close friend, confidence booster); Mylo (friend)
Sweetie
Antagonist
Apple's former best friend who betrays her and joins the popular crowd.
Sweetie was once Apple's best friend but, driven by a desire for popularity, turns on Apple after the 'Dog Log' incident. She becomes increasingly cruel and dismissive, actively participating in Apple's ostracization. Sweetie represents the superficial and often harsh social dynamics of middle school, prioritizing fitting in over loyalty and kindness. Her actions serve as a catalyst for Apple's isolation but also push Apple to seek genuine connections elsewhere, ultimately leading to Apple's growth and self-reliance.
Relationships: Apple Yengko (former best friend, now antagonist); Cass (friend)
Cass
Supporting
Apple's other former best friend, who is more passive in her betrayal.
Cass is Apple's other former best friend. While not as actively cruel as Sweetie, Cass passively goes along with Sweetie's actions and the popular crowd, failing to stand up for Apple. She represents the silent complicity that often accompanies bullying and social exclusion. Her character highlights the pain of being abandoned by friends who lack the courage to defend you. Cass's inaction contrasts sharply with the unwavering loyalty Apple finds in Mylo and Colette.
Relationships: Apple Yengko (former best friend); Sweetie (friend)
The Boys (e.g., Kenny, Victor)
Mentioned
Classmates responsible for the 'Dog Log' and general middle school teasing.
These male classmates, specifically Kenny and Victor, are the instigators of the 'Dog Log' and represent the broader, often thoughtless, cruelty that can exist in middle school. They contribute to Apple's initial humiliation and feelings of inadequacy. While not individually deeply developed, their collective actions serve as the primary catalyst for Apple's social struggles and her subsequent search for a new identity and supportive friendships.
Themes & Insights
Identity and Self-Acceptance
A main theme is Apple's struggle to define herself amidst cultural expectations and social pressures. She feels torn between her Filipino heritage and her desire to be 'American,' often feeling ashamed of her mother's differences. Her journey involves accepting her unique background and passions, particularly her love for music, as parts of who she is. This is clear when she performs at the talent show, not to win, but to celebrate her true self, and when she reconciles with her mother, understanding that her identity can include both worlds.
“Maybe being a rock star wasn't about being famous, or even about being good. Maybe it was about being yourself. No matter what.”
Friendship and Betrayal
The novel explores the changing nature of middle school friendships, showing both the pain of betrayal and the strength of real connection. Apple experiences deep hurt when Sweetie and Cass abandon her after the 'Dog Log' incident, choosing popularity over loyalty. This betrayal forces Apple to seek new relationships, leading her to the supportive and authentic friendships with Mylo and Colette. Their acceptance helps Apple heal and understand what true friendship means, contrasting sharply with her former friends' superficiality. The story shows that true friends celebrate individuality rather than demanding conformity.
“It was like Sweetie and Cass had carved out a piece of her and taken it with them, leaving a hollow space.”
Cultural Assimilation and Heritage
Apple deals with her Filipino heritage and the pressure to fit into American culture. Her mother's traditional customs, accent, and food choices often embarrass Apple, making her feel 'other' among her peers. Her mother's 'too American' accusation creates tension between them. The novel subtly addresses the challenges of immigrant families, where children often navigate a cultural divide from their parents. Apple's journey involves learning to appreciate her heritage while also making her own path, finding a balance between her two worlds, as seen in her eventual understanding with her mother.
“Her mom always said, 'You are becoming too American.' Apple didn't know what that meant, exactly, but it always felt like an accusation.”
The Power of Music
Music is an escape, a source of inspiration, and a way for Apple to express herself. When she feels most alone and misunderstood, the dream of playing guitar gives her purpose and a sense of identity. Mylo introduces her to classic rock, expanding her musical world and offering a shared passion. Learning to play the guitar, despite its challenges, becomes a metaphor for Apple's personal growth and resilience. Her talent show performance, even if imperfect, is a moment of triumph where music allows her to confidently share her true self with the world.
“The guitar wasn't just wood and strings. It was a promise. A promise that she could be someone else. Someone better.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The 'Dog Log'
A list ranking the 'ugliest' girls in school, serving as a catalyst for Apple's emotional journey.
The 'Dog Log' is a crucial plot device that immediately establishes Apple's central conflict: her social isolation and deep insecurity. It is the inciting incident that shatters her existing friendships and forces her into a period of profound self-doubt. The list represents the cruel and arbitrary nature of middle school social hierarchies and acts as a constant reminder of her perceived 'otherness.' Its existence drives Apple to seek an escape and ultimately, to find new, more authentic connections and a stronger sense of self.
The Electric Guitar
A tangible symbol of Apple's aspirations, identity, and personal growth.
The electric guitar functions as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Initially, it represents Apple's secret dream of a cooler, more confident identity, a means of escaping her current reality. The act of saving for it demonstrates her determination. Once acquired, the challenges of learning to play mirror her struggles with self-acceptance and finding her voice. Ultimately, the guitar becomes a tool for self-expression and a testament to her resilience, culminating in her talent show performance where she literally 'plays' her way to self-acceptance.
The School Talent Show
A high-stakes event that provides a stage for Apple's personal triumph and public declaration of self.
The school talent show serves as a conventional but effective plot device, creating a clear goal and a climactic moment for Apple's character arc. It initially presents as a daunting challenge, symbolizing her fear of public judgment. However, as she gains confidence and skill with her guitar, it transforms into an opportunity for her to publicly embrace her true self and her passion. Her performance is not about winning, but about overcoming her fears and making a statement of her identity, providing a satisfying resolution to her journey of self-acceptance.
Blackbird Fly Quotes
“The worst part of being a kid was that you had to live with your parents. It was like being a prisoner in a castle, but the castle was your own house and the guards were your mom and dad.”
“Music was the only thing that made sense. It was a secret language, and I was finally learning to speak it.”
“Sometimes I felt like I was in a movie, and the director kept yelling, 'Cut! No, not like that! Do it again!' But there was no director, just me, messing up my own scenes.”
“Being a girl was like being a puzzle with a lot of missing pieces. Everyone expected you to be complete, but you were always just... bits and pieces.”
“The world was full of grown-ups who thought they knew everything, but they didn't know anything about being a kid.”
“It was like the whole world was a giant record player, and my life was stuck on the wrong speed.”
“You couldn't just wish away bad things. You had to face them, even if your knees were knocking like castanets.”
“Friendship was a delicate thing, like a spiderweb. One wrong move and it could break.”
“Sometimes, the quietest people had the loudest thoughts.”
“The best kind of magic was the kind you made yourself, with your own hands and your own heart.”
“Grief was a strange animal. It curled up inside you and sometimes it purred, and sometimes it clawed.”
“You didn't have to be perfect to be loved. You just had to be yourself, messy bits and all.”
“The world was a scary place, but it was also full of little pockets of light, if you knew where to look.”
“Finding your voice was like finding a secret tunnel. Once you found it, you could go anywhere.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the primary reason Apple feels different from her classmates at the beginning of the story?
- She has a unique fashion sense.
- Her family recently moved to Louisiana from the Philippines.
- She is significantly older than her classmates.
- She has a different favorite music genre.
Show answer
B. Her family recently moved to Louisiana from the Philippines. Apple's family heritage and her mother's Filipino customs, along with their recent move from the Philippines, are explicitly stated as reasons she feels different.
Question 2
What is the 'Dog Log' mentioned in the story?
- A list of students who have misbehaved in school.
- A social media group where students share dog pictures.
- A list created by boys of the most unpopular girls in school.
- A school newspaper column for student opinions.
Show answer
C. A list created by boys of the most unpopular girls in school. The 'Dog Log' is described as a list created by 'the stupid, stupid boys' in Apple's class, featuring the names of the most unpopular girls.
Question 3
What does Apple's mother chastise her for, according to the summary?
- Not studying hard enough.
- Becoming 'too American'.
- Spending too much time on music.
- Not helping enough with chores.
Show answer
B. Becoming 'too American'. The summary states that Apple's mother 'chastises Apple for becoming “too American.”'
Question 4
What is Apple's initial plan to try and change herself and her situation?
- Joining a new sports team.
- Saving money to buy a guitar and learn to play.
- Trying to make new friends at school.
- Changing her appearance to fit in more.
Show answer
B. Saving money to buy a guitar and learn to play. When things become unbearable, Apple 'turns to music. If she can just save enough to buy a guitar and learn to play, maybe she can change herself.'
Question 5
What specific cultural aspect of Apple's home life is mentioned as contributing to her feeling different?
- Her mother speaks a different language at home.
- Her mother still cooks Filipino foods.
- They celebrate different holidays.
- They live in a different type of house.
Show answer
B. Her mother still cooks Filipino foods. The summary explicitly states, 'her mother still cooks Filipino foods, makes mistakes with her English, and chastises Apple for becoming “too American.”'
Question 6
What happens to Apple's existing friendships when her life starts to seem 'weird and embarrassing'?
- They become stronger and more supportive.
- Her friends turn on her.
- Her friends try to help her fit in.
- Her friends move away.
Show answer
B. Her friends turn on her. The text states, 'When Apple’s friends turn on her and everything about her life starts to seem weird and embarrassing, Apple turns to music.'
Question 7
What is the central internal conflict Apple faces, as described in the provided summary?
- Whether to pursue academics or sports.
- Choosing between being a future rock star or a friendless misfit.
- Deciding where to live: Louisiana or the Philippines.
- Struggling with her mother's strict rules.
Show answer
B. Choosing between being a future rock star or a friendless misfit. The opening line of the summary poses this exact dilemma: 'Future rock star, or friendless misfit? That’s no choice at all.'
Question 8
Beyond music, what other factor is suggested as potentially saving Apple from her struggles?
- Her teachers' guidance.
- Moving to a new school.
- Her two new friends.
- Her mother's understanding.
Show answer
C. Her two new friends. The summary concludes with, 'It might be the music that saves her . . . or it might be her two new friends, who show how special she really is.'
Question 9
The phrase 'makes mistakes with her English' when describing Apple's mother primarily highlights what about Apple's experience?
- Her mother's lack of formal education.
- The cultural and linguistic differences that make Apple feel self-conscious.
- Apple's own struggles with grammar.
- Her mother's playful personality.
Show answer
B. The cultural and linguistic differences that make Apple feel self-conscious. This detail, along with her mother cooking Filipino foods and chastising her for being 'too American,' contributes to Apple's feeling of being different and embarrassed, especially in middle school.
Question 10
The genre of 'Blackbird Fly' is identified as 'Children's, Young Adult'. Which specific age group is Apple's character most closely aligned with, based on the summary?
- Early elementary (ages 6-8).
- High school (ages 14-18).
- Tween/Middle School (ages 10-13).
- College age (ages 18+).
Show answer
C. Tween/Middle School (ages 10-13). The summary explicitly mentions 'twelve-year-old Apple' and events occurring in 'middle school,' placing her squarely in the tween/middle school age range.
Blackbird Fly FAQ
What is the central conflict Apple faces at the beginning of 'Blackbird Fly'?
Apple's primary conflict stems from feeling like an outsider due to her Filipino heritage and her mother's 'otherness,' which is exacerbated by her classmates' bullying, particularly the 'Dog Log' incident. She struggles with balancing her desire to fit in with her cultural identity and her mother's expectations.
Who are the key antagonists in Apple's middle school experience?
The main antagonists are the boys responsible for the 'Dog Log,' especially those who perpetuate the bullying, and initially, her former friends, specifically Jessica and Emily, who abandon her and contribute to her isolation during a vulnerable time.
How does music become an escape and a goal for Apple?
Music serves as Apple's primary coping mechanism and a tangible goal. She dreams of buying a guitar and learning to play, seeing it as a way to transform herself, gain confidence, and potentially escape her current miserable situation, inspired by her idol, the Beatles.
Who are Apple's new friends, and how do they impact her journey?
Apple befriends Ian and May. Ian is a kind, supportive boy who shares her love for music, while May is an eccentric, confident girl who helps Apple embrace her individuality. They provide Apple with much-needed acceptance, understanding, and encouragement, showing her she isn't alone.
What is the 'Dog Log' and why is it significant to the plot?
The 'Dog Log' is a cruel list created by boys in Apple's class, ranking the 'unpopular' girls. It's significant because it directly triggers Apple's deep feelings of rejection and embarrassment, leading to her social isolation and fueling her desire for change and escape through music.
What subtle details reveal Apple's mother's own struggles with assimilation?
Apple's mother's 'mistakes with her English' and her insistence on traditional Filipino foods and customs, alongside her chastising Apple for being 'too American,' subtly reveal her own ongoing struggle with adapting to American culture while trying to preserve her heritage.
How does the author use the setting of Louisiana to enhance Apple's feeling of being an outsider?
The Louisiana setting, with its distinct Southern culture, can be seen as amplifying Apple's sense of being 'different' from her classmates, especially given her Filipino background. This cultural contrast further highlights her unique identity in an environment that may not always understand or accept it.
Are there any symbolic meanings behind Apple's fascination with the Beatles?
The Beatles symbolize a universal language of music, dreams, and a sense of belonging that transcends cultural barriers. For Apple, their music represents an escape from her current reality and a path towards self-expression and acceptance, a future where she can be celebrated rather than ostracized.
How does Apple's initial reaction to the 'Dog Log' reflect typical adolescent psychological responses to bullying?
Apple's initial reaction, including shame, embarrassment, social withdrawal, and a desperate desire to change herself to fit in, is a classic psychological response to bullying during adolescence. She internalizes the criticism and feels deeply isolated, leading to a profound impact on her self-esteem.
Analyze the psychological impact of Apple's mother's critiques on Apple becoming 'too American.'
Her mother's critiques create a significant psychological burden for Apple, fostering internal conflict between her cultural identity and her desire for social acceptance. It can lead to feelings of guilt, confusion, and a sense that she can't fully please either her mother or her peers, exacerbating her 'outsider' status.
How do Ian and May contribute to Apple's psychological healing and self-acceptance?
Ian and May provide unconditional acceptance and validation, which are crucial for Apple's psychological healing. They show her that her unique qualities are strengths, not weaknesses, helping her to rebuild her self-esteem, challenge her negative self-perception, and embrace her individuality.
What internal struggles does Apple face regarding her loyalty to her Filipino heritage versus her desire to assimilate?
Apple struggles with internalizing her mother's expectations to uphold Filipino traditions while simultaneously yearning to blend in with her American peers. This creates a push-pull dynamic, where she feels torn between cultural duty and personal desire for acceptance, leading to confusion about her identity.
Is the ending of 'Blackbird Fly' meant to be a complete resolution or a hopeful beginning for Apple?
'Blackbird Fly' concludes as a hopeful beginning rather than a complete resolution. While Apple has found new friends and a path toward self-acceptance through music, the challenges of middle school and navigating her identity are ongoing, suggesting future growth rather than a definitive end to her struggles.
How does the title 'Blackbird Fly' relate to Apple's journey?
The title 'Blackbird Fly' directly references the Beatles song, symbolizing Apple's yearning for freedom, escape from her troubles, and finding her own voice. The 'blackbird' represents her feeling trapped and misunderstood, while 'fly' signifies her aspirations to rise above her challenges and embrace her true self.
Could Apple's former friends, Jessica and Emily, be seen as victims of peer pressure themselves?
It's plausible to interpret Jessica and Emily as victims of peer pressure. Their abandonment of Apple might stem from a desire to maintain their own social standing and avoid being associated with someone targeted by the 'Dog Log,' rather than pure malice, highlighting the pervasive nature of middle school social hierarchies.
What message does the book convey about the power of friendship in overcoming adversity?
The book strongly conveys that genuine friendship is a powerful antidote to adversity and isolation. Ian and May's unwavering support demonstrates that finding people who accept and celebrate you for who you are can be transformative, providing the strength and confidence needed to overcome bullying and self-doubt.
How does Apple's mother's character evolve throughout the story, or does she remain static?
Apple's mother remains relatively static in her core beliefs and cultural practices, but her understanding and expression of love for Apple deepen. While she continues to uphold her heritage, there's a subtle shift towards recognizing Apple's need for independence and happiness, showing her unwavering support in her own way.
What is the significance of Apple choosing a guitar as her instrument of choice?
The guitar is significant because it's a versatile instrument often associated with self-expression, songwriting, and rock music – a genre Apple admires. It represents a tangible tool for her to channel her emotions, find her voice, and emulate her musical idols, symbolizing her journey towards artistic independence and confidence.
About the author
Erin Entrada Kelly is an author known for her work in children's and young adult fiction. Her book "Blackbird Fly" explores themes of friendship and identity through the story of a young girl navigating her cultural background. Kelly has received recognition for her contributions to literature, including winning the Newbery Medal for her book "Hello, Universe."
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