FINALLY SEEN, by Kelly Yang, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Feb. 28, 2023, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
A Chinese girl joins her family in the United States after being separated for five years in Finally Seen, by Kelly Yang.
“My sister got to grow up with my parents. Me? I grew up with postcards from my parents.”
When ten-year-old Lina Gao steps off the plane in Los Angeles, it’s her first time in America and the first time seeing her parents and her little sister in five years! She’s been waiting for this moment every day while she lived with her grandmother in Beijing, getting teased by kids at school who called her “left behind girl.” Finally, her parents are ready for her to join their fabulous life in America! Except, it’s not exactly like in the postcards:
1. School’s a lot harder than she thought. When she mispronounces some words in English on the first day, she decides she simply won’t talk. Ever again.
2. Her chatty little sister has no problem with English. And seems to do everything better than Lina, including knowing exactly the way to her parents’ hearts.
3. They live in an apartment, not a house like in Mom’s letters, and they owe a lot of back rent from the pandemic. And Mom’s plan to pay it back sounds more like a hobby than a moneymaker.
As she reckons with her hurt, Lina tries to keep a lid on her feelings, both at home and at school. When her teacher starts facing challenges for her latest book selection, a book that deeply resonates with Lina, it will take all of Lina’s courage and resilience to get over her fear in order to choose a future where she’s finally seen. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Author Kelly Yang (Front Desk) has become one of the best-known Asian-American voices in middle-grade literature. And for good reason. Yang’s writing stems from her own childhood and adult experiences. Her voice is clear and authentic and heartfelt.
In Finally Seen, Yang introduces readers to Lina, the daughter who got left behind during her family’s search for the American dream. When Lina finally comes to the U.S., she learns it’s nothing like she was led to believe. Lina’s relationships with her family are fractured, and English is much more difficult than she expected. And the social elements of school are devastating.
When all seems lost, it’s a book that gives Lina hope. And it’s not just any book, it’s a graphic novel that’s images allow her to infer meanings. It opens doors to friendship and learning.
Multiple plot lines intersect throughout Finally Seen, ranging from immigration and family to bullying and climate change. There’s a lot going on, but the elements play off each other, creating a cohesive read.
Yang’s writing is warm and familiar. She captures Lina’s true essence, and captures readers’ hearts in the process.
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