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Finally Seen #1
Finally Seen
From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes a “involving, realistic” (Booklist, starred review) middle grade novel about a young girl who leaves China to live with her parents and sister, after five years apart, and learns about family, friendship, and the power of being finally seen.
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 and choose a future where she’s finally seen.
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 and choose a future where she’s finally seen.
Audiobook
First published February 28, 2023
About the author
Kelly Yang
23 books2,228 followersKelly Yang is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of the FRONT DESK series, winner of the 2019 Asian Pacific American Award for Children's Literature. Her books include FRONT DESK, THREE KEYS, ROOM TO DREAM, PARACHUTES, NEW FROM HERE, and other middle grade and young adult novels. She was born in China and grew up in Los Angeles. She went to college at the age of 13 and graduated from UC Berkeley at the age of 17 and Harvard Law School at the age of 20. After law school, she founded The Kelly Yang Project, a writing and debating program for children in Asia. Prior to becoming a novelist, she wrote for many years for the South China Morning Post, The New York Times, Washington Post, and the Atlantic. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 480 reviews
April 29, 2023
At this point, you CANNOT convince me to not read a Kelly Yang book. I absolutely adore any and everything that she puts out.
Finally Seen is Kelly Yang's latest release that follows Lina Gao who ends up moving to California to finally live with her parents after she remained in China during the pandemic. When she arrives and meets her family for the first time in a while, she realizes that nothing is the way she expected. She has a hard time not only adjusting to the reality of her family's living situation, but also attending a school where she struggles to speak English. What follows is a journey of self-discovery and finding one's voice even in the presence of fear.
What Worked: There were so many interesting pieces and parts to this story. I've read nearly every book that Kelly Yang has written so I was interested in how she would develop a story about a young girl who was separated from her family during the pandemic. It definitely wasn't what I expected and I was surprised at the emotional elements that Yang showcased through Gao. There was frustration, anger, and pain at her parents for their lack of contact and seemingly lack of interest in reuniting with their daughter. However, it was written in a way that illustrated such a immense level of emotional maturity in Lina. I also appreciated that Yang explored familial dynamics outside of the parents. Lina is particularly close with her grandmother, but finds that their relationship becomes strained when Lina forms a close relationship with a classmate that's a boy. Her grandmother has more traditional views and opinions about the appropriateness of a boy and girl being friends. It illustrated the cultural differences that between to grow between the two characters. This same difference is illustrated in the relationship between Lina and Millie. Millie is well versed in cultural practices of the US and Lina often feels lost when her sister talks about things like social media. Nevertheless, I loved that even through the discourse the two really attempt to support each other when they feel like outcasts or not good enough. I also LOVED the recognition and appreciation of graphic novels. Once again, readers are able to see how supportive and vital they are to literature. Lina uses them not only as a way to practice her English, but it also makes her feel seen and appreciated.
What Didn't Work: This book had a lot of fun elements, but at some points it felt like it had too much going on. There was a plot line dedicated to the relationship Lina had with her family, one dedicated to her experience at school and the bullying she faced, one that was dedicated to how the pandemic impacted communities especially those who rented properties, one dedicated to the importance of environmentalism, one dedicated to the poverty her parents faced, and one dedicated to book banning. While I enjoyed all of these things, I'm not a huge fan of books that go in a plethora of plot lines because it can be hard to keep everything in line.
Overall, this was another good read added to Yang's bibliography! I'm excited to see what she writes next after the release of the next Front Desk book this fall.
Finally Seen is Kelly Yang's latest release that follows Lina Gao who ends up moving to California to finally live with her parents after she remained in China during the pandemic. When she arrives and meets her family for the first time in a while, she realizes that nothing is the way she expected. She has a hard time not only adjusting to the reality of her family's living situation, but also attending a school where she struggles to speak English. What follows is a journey of self-discovery and finding one's voice even in the presence of fear.
What Worked: There were so many interesting pieces and parts to this story. I've read nearly every book that Kelly Yang has written so I was interested in how she would develop a story about a young girl who was separated from her family during the pandemic. It definitely wasn't what I expected and I was surprised at the emotional elements that Yang showcased through Gao. There was frustration, anger, and pain at her parents for their lack of contact and seemingly lack of interest in reuniting with their daughter. However, it was written in a way that illustrated such a immense level of emotional maturity in Lina. I also appreciated that Yang explored familial dynamics outside of the parents. Lina is particularly close with her grandmother, but finds that their relationship becomes strained when Lina forms a close relationship with a classmate that's a boy. Her grandmother has more traditional views and opinions about the appropriateness of a boy and girl being friends. It illustrated the cultural differences that between to grow between the two characters. This same difference is illustrated in the relationship between Lina and Millie. Millie is well versed in cultural practices of the US and Lina often feels lost when her sister talks about things like social media. Nevertheless, I loved that even through the discourse the two really attempt to support each other when they feel like outcasts or not good enough. I also LOVED the recognition and appreciation of graphic novels. Once again, readers are able to see how supportive and vital they are to literature. Lina uses them not only as a way to practice her English, but it also makes her feel seen and appreciated.
What Didn't Work: This book had a lot of fun elements, but at some points it felt like it had too much going on. There was a plot line dedicated to the relationship Lina had with her family, one dedicated to her experience at school and the bullying she faced, one that was dedicated to how the pandemic impacted communities especially those who rented properties, one dedicated to the importance of environmentalism, one dedicated to the poverty her parents faced, and one dedicated to book banning. While I enjoyed all of these things, I'm not a huge fan of books that go in a plethora of plot lines because it can be hard to keep everything in line.
Overall, this was another good read added to Yang's bibliography! I'm excited to see what she writes next after the release of the next Front Desk book this fall.
May 25, 2023
Lina is a ten-year-old from China who is finally moving to the US to be with her parents and little sister after living apart from them for years. Once there, she faces many challenges, including reconnecting with her family after the time apart, not speaking English well, immigration trouble, mean kids at school and a classmate’s parent working to stop a class reading of a book that Lina connects with and feels seen by at a time where she often feels invisible. This is a powerful middle-grade book about finding the power within yourself to speak up and having the courage to make yourself seen and heard. While for middle-grade readers, readers of all ages will find this an inspirational read. -Madeline C.
Find a copy at Scottsdale Public Library
Find a copy at Scottsdale Public Library
January 13, 2023
Finally Seen is a moving, inspiring, and insightful middle grade book about immigration, family, and sisterhood. It’s also a relatable portrait of a family wading through murky financial waters and a kid finding confidence at school. Fans of Kelly Yang and Front Desk, and kids who enjoy books about immigration and book activism will gobble this one up.
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/review...
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/review...
May 15, 2023
"There's no set timeline for anything in life."
This might be the best Kelly Yang book yet!
I live how she writes what she knows— supported by evidence in the author’s notes which are just as compelling as the book itself.
10 yo Lina is finally going to America from China where she has been living with her grandmother to join her parents and younger sister . When she gets there, she realizes that it isn’t quite the dream she has been envisioning from all the postcards and speaking a different language is hard.
In Finally Seen the story focuses around family dynamics, immigration uncertainties, financial woes, and the book banning struggles that are pulled from today’s headlines about her owns books .
This book is so contemporary that it's setting is post COVID pandemic and the book in question that is threatening to be banned, Flea Shop, is the perfect stand in for Front Desk. Flea Shop is accused of being divisive just as Yang’s books.
I really cannot rave enough about Kelly Yang and her beloved books. Her voice (and even her daughter's) always ring so loud in the stories, and her support for teachers and librarians as well as her commitment to having all children feel seen is just unparalleled.
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#finallyseen #kellyyang #simonandschuster #simonandschusterbooksforyoungreaders #ireadmg #middlegradebooks #kidlit #readdiversebooks #diversespines #representationmatters #20booksbyasainwomen #goodbooks #fivestarbooks #readmore #justbooksbookstagram #bookstagram #bookquotes #bookrecs #bookreviews #weneeddiversebooks #bookriot #shereadsalot #readersofig #readersofinstagram #goodreads
This might be the best Kelly Yang book yet!
I live how she writes what she knows— supported by evidence in the author’s notes which are just as compelling as the book itself.
10 yo Lina is finally going to America from China where she has been living with her grandmother to join her parents and younger sister . When she gets there, she realizes that it isn’t quite the dream she has been envisioning from all the postcards and speaking a different language is hard.
In Finally Seen the story focuses around family dynamics, immigration uncertainties, financial woes, and the book banning struggles that are pulled from today’s headlines about her owns books .
This book is so contemporary that it's setting is post COVID pandemic and the book in question that is threatening to be banned, Flea Shop, is the perfect stand in for Front Desk. Flea Shop is accused of being divisive just as Yang’s books.
I really cannot rave enough about Kelly Yang and her beloved books. Her voice (and even her daughter's) always ring so loud in the stories, and her support for teachers and librarians as well as her commitment to having all children feel seen is just unparalleled.
.
.
.
.
#finallyseen #kellyyang #simonandschuster #simonandschusterbooksforyoungreaders #ireadmg #middlegradebooks #kidlit #readdiversebooks #diversespines #representationmatters #20booksbyasainwomen #goodbooks #fivestarbooks #readmore #justbooksbookstagram #bookstagram #bookquotes #bookrecs #bookreviews #weneeddiversebooks #bookriot #shereadsalot #readersofig #readersofinstagram #goodreads
October 14, 2024
I would recommend this book, especially for those who are close with grandparents who live far away.
January 7, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Lina Gao has been raised by her grandmother (Lao Lao) in China while her parents establish their life in Southern California. It's hard to leave, but she's glad to finally be together with her family, including younger sister Millie. It's even harder to know that Lao Lao is now living in a nursing home. Things are different than she expects them to be in the US: her parents are in an apartment instead of a house, they are facing financial difficulties, and her classmates are mean to her and dismissive of her abilities to speak English. Her father is working at an organic farm run by Pete, a cranky white man instead of being a microbiologist, and her mother is making bath bombs and selling them on Etsy because she doesn't have a work permit. The family is working on their immigration application, but since Pete's lawyer is handling them, they don't know what the progress is. Both Millie and Lina have open enrolled to a school in Pete's neighborhood in order to get a better education, and they are warned to stay invisible and not cause trouble so they don't get kicked out. Lina's teachers are all supportive and helpful. Ms. Carter, her main teacher, encourages her reading and has Finn, one of the nicer boys in class, help her. Ms. Ortiz, the ELL teacher, works one on one with her and reminds Lina that she herself didn't speak English when she came to the US from Guatemala. The librarian, Ms. Hollins, gives Lina a book, the made up Flea Shop by Cat Wang, about a girl whose parents run a second hand store. Graphic novels are a great way for Lina to improve her skills and enjoy reading, but the one she loves best faces challenges. The meanest girl in her class, Jessica, has a mother who is very controlling and is also active in the PTO. She also is "tired" of inclusion and diversity, and when she finds out that white children are mean to the main character in Flea Shop, she tries to have the book banned! Lina's father has problems with Pete, and Lina's mother's bath bomb business doesn't look like it will make enough money for the family to pay their back rent once the COVID era rent forgiveness ends. Will Lina be able to navigate these difficult times with the help of her family?
Strengths: Yang's experiences as an immigrant child lend a level of detail and authenticity that really resonates with readers. She also brings her personal experiences with book banning to this tale. Seeing the changes that her family had to make to remain in the US, like working on a farm instead of being a scientist, is important for readers who don't have experience with immigrating to know about.
Weaknesses: I was sort of hoping that I could hold this cover up next to New From Here and it would continue the street scene, but it didn't. It looks so similar!
What I really think: Yang has had a lot of fans in my school ever since Front Desk, so her middle grade books are automatic purchases. I love it when books cover experiences that I don't know anything about; it would be so hard to leave a child behind, even if it made sense for the greater well being of the family. Like Weeks' and Varadarajan's Save Me a Seat, this is an excellent look at what it is like to come to a new country and adjust to a new school and way of life.
Lina Gao has been raised by her grandmother (Lao Lao) in China while her parents establish their life in Southern California. It's hard to leave, but she's glad to finally be together with her family, including younger sister Millie. It's even harder to know that Lao Lao is now living in a nursing home. Things are different than she expects them to be in the US: her parents are in an apartment instead of a house, they are facing financial difficulties, and her classmates are mean to her and dismissive of her abilities to speak English. Her father is working at an organic farm run by Pete, a cranky white man instead of being a microbiologist, and her mother is making bath bombs and selling them on Etsy because she doesn't have a work permit. The family is working on their immigration application, but since Pete's lawyer is handling them, they don't know what the progress is. Both Millie and Lina have open enrolled to a school in Pete's neighborhood in order to get a better education, and they are warned to stay invisible and not cause trouble so they don't get kicked out. Lina's teachers are all supportive and helpful. Ms. Carter, her main teacher, encourages her reading and has Finn, one of the nicer boys in class, help her. Ms. Ortiz, the ELL teacher, works one on one with her and reminds Lina that she herself didn't speak English when she came to the US from Guatemala. The librarian, Ms. Hollins, gives Lina a book, the made up Flea Shop by Cat Wang, about a girl whose parents run a second hand store. Graphic novels are a great way for Lina to improve her skills and enjoy reading, but the one she loves best faces challenges. The meanest girl in her class, Jessica, has a mother who is very controlling and is also active in the PTO. She also is "tired" of inclusion and diversity, and when she finds out that white children are mean to the main character in Flea Shop, she tries to have the book banned! Lina's father has problems with Pete, and Lina's mother's bath bomb business doesn't look like it will make enough money for the family to pay their back rent once the COVID era rent forgiveness ends. Will Lina be able to navigate these difficult times with the help of her family?
Strengths: Yang's experiences as an immigrant child lend a level of detail and authenticity that really resonates with readers. She also brings her personal experiences with book banning to this tale. Seeing the changes that her family had to make to remain in the US, like working on a farm instead of being a scientist, is important for readers who don't have experience with immigrating to know about.
Weaknesses: I was sort of hoping that I could hold this cover up next to New From Here and it would continue the street scene, but it didn't. It looks so similar!
What I really think: Yang has had a lot of fans in my school ever since Front Desk, so her middle grade books are automatic purchases. I love it when books cover experiences that I don't know anything about; it would be so hard to leave a child behind, even if it made sense for the greater well being of the family. Like Weeks' and Varadarajan's Save Me a Seat, this is an excellent look at what it is like to come to a new country and adjust to a new school and way of life.
June 3, 2023
Lina has traveled from China to be reunited with her family in America, after five long years. Things are not quite how she expected them to be, especially at school. With the help of new friends, and two amazing teachers,and a librarian who reveal the magic of reading to her, Lina begins to feel more at home in this new country. Then, a book that her teacher has been reading aloud to the class is challenged because of its content about diversity. Will Lina find the courage to speak up about how this book has helped her adjust to her new life?
Kelly Yang has hit another one out of the ballpark! This would be a wonderful book to have in middle-grade classrooms.
Kelly Yang has hit another one out of the ballpark! This would be a wonderful book to have in middle-grade classrooms.
March 21, 2023
Another standout middle grade novel from Kelly Yang! She does such a great job amplifying Asian American experiences, especially ones tied into relatable and oh so relevant pandemic life. In this book she writes from a young girl's POV who has been raised separately from her parents in China while they established a home in America. Then when she's finally allowed to come join them she struggles with fitting in and her parents have a hard time trying to find the money to pay the backrent they owe from lockdown. I also really enjoyed how she tied in book banning and censorship in this story - such a timely and universal story that she has unfortunately had too much experience with her own books!
CW: Anti-Asian racism, discrimination (among others).
CW: Anti-Asian racism, discrimination (among others).
June 3, 2024
woww, i seriously teared up. i love kelly yang books ❤️
August 25, 2024
If you liked any of the books in Kelly Yang's Front Desk series, you'll love this new title and series about Lina. Lina joins her family in the United States, only to find out her parents and younger sister's life isn't what their letters led her and her grandparents to believe. Can her family overcome obstacle after obstacle to achieve their version of the "American Dream"?
March 5, 2023
✈️🏙️🏡Finally Seen🏡🏙️✈️
3.5 Stars
Lina Gao has dreamed of a life beyond her home but doesn't want to leave her grandmother Lao Lao behind. When she makes the courageous decision to go to America, she meets with her mother, father, and younger sister, whom she never got to grow up with. Now she has the chance to learn more about her family members, but Lina struggles to speak English and find comfort in a new place. When Lina faces racist classmates and struggles to fit in, she works hard to learn English. Lina finds happiness in books and befriends a boy named Finn, who is struggling with his own set of problems. As Lina supports her mother's efforts to make money by making bath bombs, she forges a relationship with her younger sister. Another book by Kelly Yang about what it's like to immigrate to America and the experiences of one girl trying to let her voice be heard
Finally Seen was another great book by Kelly Yang. This was one of the books among her recent ones that I enjoyed better. Ever since Front Desk, I have appreciated her other books but never loved them. While I didn't love this book, I still thought it was a good one. Lina's character is one I grew to easily root for. She struggled between choosing her future and staying with her Lao Lao. Her journey is one that is quite the ride.
Reuniting with the family members she never knew well was an interesting aspect of the story. This book was a lot about making new relationships, re-discovering them, and breaking off from others. Books that explore relationships tend to be ones that I deeply appreciate. Lina had to learn English and was unable to get across what she truly felt because of the language barrier. I loved watching Lina go through the process of learning a new language and using those words to say her own part.
Her relationship with Millie was an interesting one. Millie succumbs to peer pressure easily and longs to be a part of the "cool crowd." Her mother works hard to make money for the family by making bath bombs. I loved learning more about bath bombs, but also how unique a topic it was in the story. Finn was a character who dealt with his father's toxic masculinity. It was beautiful to see him come away from the opinions that his father has forced upon him. The story explored redemption and forgiveness, a topic that added more to the story.
I loved the references to books and the way the library was described. In conclusion, this is an important and quick read!
☑️PLOT
☑️CHARACTERS
3.5 Stars
Lina Gao has dreamed of a life beyond her home but doesn't want to leave her grandmother Lao Lao behind. When she makes the courageous decision to go to America, she meets with her mother, father, and younger sister, whom she never got to grow up with. Now she has the chance to learn more about her family members, but Lina struggles to speak English and find comfort in a new place. When Lina faces racist classmates and struggles to fit in, she works hard to learn English. Lina finds happiness in books and befriends a boy named Finn, who is struggling with his own set of problems. As Lina supports her mother's efforts to make money by making bath bombs, she forges a relationship with her younger sister. Another book by Kelly Yang about what it's like to immigrate to America and the experiences of one girl trying to let her voice be heard
Finally Seen was another great book by Kelly Yang. This was one of the books among her recent ones that I enjoyed better. Ever since Front Desk, I have appreciated her other books but never loved them. While I didn't love this book, I still thought it was a good one. Lina's character is one I grew to easily root for. She struggled between choosing her future and staying with her Lao Lao. Her journey is one that is quite the ride.
Reuniting with the family members she never knew well was an interesting aspect of the story. This book was a lot about making new relationships, re-discovering them, and breaking off from others. Books that explore relationships tend to be ones that I deeply appreciate. Lina had to learn English and was unable to get across what she truly felt because of the language barrier. I loved watching Lina go through the process of learning a new language and using those words to say her own part.
Her relationship with Millie was an interesting one. Millie succumbs to peer pressure easily and longs to be a part of the "cool crowd." Her mother works hard to make money for the family by making bath bombs. I loved learning more about bath bombs, but also how unique a topic it was in the story. Finn was a character who dealt with his father's toxic masculinity. It was beautiful to see him come away from the opinions that his father has forced upon him. The story explored redemption and forgiveness, a topic that added more to the story.
I loved the references to books and the way the library was described. In conclusion, this is an important and quick read!
☑️PLOT
☑️CHARACTERS
April 12, 2023
I listened to this book, and I enjoyed it for the most part. I think the author perfectly captures the feelings of an immigrant student with limited English speaking abilities. I felt like some of the other characters, though, relied on stereotypes and really thin character arcs. One that stood out to me was Pete, the owner of the garden where Lina's dad worked. Coupled with the narrator's super-harsh voicing for him, this character was just downright mean. I couldn't wrap my head around this man who was so passionate about saving the world being such a bad guy. And I get it, books need bad guys...but Pete was over the top. The other character, who was an important one in the book, is Lina's little sister Minnie. If Lina is a fifth grader, that would make Minnie a first grader, and she just did not act like a 6-year old. She had a following on TikTok, experienced "mean girls" in her class, and did a whole lot of business stuff with the bath bomb project.
Near the end of the book, when a book being read aloud in Lina's class temporarily gets banned, things got very heavy handed. I know the author is passionate about the subjects of immigrant kids and the freedom to read, but the passion came through as very preachy to me.
Near the end of the book, when a book being read aloud in Lina's class temporarily gets banned, things got very heavy handed. I know the author is passionate about the subjects of immigrant kids and the freedom to read, but the passion came through as very preachy to me.
March 7, 2023
Kelly Yang does is again! Another AMAZING middle grade book. I finished it in one day - that’s how much I loved it! One of my favorite topics discussed that Yang includes is book banning, which is a very relevant issue today. What a wonderful book! 🤩
April 28, 2024
This book spoke to me on multiple levels—as a teacher, an advocate for diverse children’s literature, and as the daughter of immigrants. It was truly everything my heart needed. Honestly, I picked it up for an extra credit book club, but it ended up being so much more.
Finally Seen discusses the importance of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance while also shedding light on the damaging effects of book bans and censorship on children. On top of that, through Lina's journey from China to America, it also tackles the challenges of assimilation and immigrantion. I especially loved Lina's resilience navigating her life despite so many ongoing struggles. Each character contributed some sort of added layer to the overall story and I appreciate the complexity Kelly Yang managed to intertwine through these stories despite this being a shorter middle grade book. I think each layer of the story showed that we might have a lot going on, but we are strong and capable enough to continue on and conquer these large challenges.
As someone completing their Masters in Elementary Education, with a focus on literacy and English language learners, I appreciated how Kelly Yang subtly referenced educational concepts like Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors. It added authenticity not only to Lina's experiences but also to the educational aspect of the book. There a million and ten other reasons I admire what Kelly Yang did with this story, but I don’t want this to be 30 pages long!!
So, to wrap it up, I encourage everyone to read this because it truly is a story with a message that resonates regardless of age and experience.
Finally Seen discusses the importance of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance while also shedding light on the damaging effects of book bans and censorship on children. On top of that, through Lina's journey from China to America, it also tackles the challenges of assimilation and immigrantion. I especially loved Lina's resilience navigating her life despite so many ongoing struggles. Each character contributed some sort of added layer to the overall story and I appreciate the complexity Kelly Yang managed to intertwine through these stories despite this being a shorter middle grade book. I think each layer of the story showed that we might have a lot going on, but we are strong and capable enough to continue on and conquer these large challenges.
As someone completing their Masters in Elementary Education, with a focus on literacy and English language learners, I appreciated how Kelly Yang subtly referenced educational concepts like Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors. It added authenticity not only to Lina's experiences but also to the educational aspect of the book. There a million and ten other reasons I admire what Kelly Yang did with this story, but I don’t want this to be 30 pages long!!
So, to wrap it up, I encourage everyone to read this because it truly is a story with a message that resonates regardless of age and experience.
September 15, 2023
This was amazing!
I thought it was gonna be a cute middlegrade book with maybe some giggles from the cover.
It was sooo much more.
This book addresses bullying, racism, immigration complications, some family drama, and personal growth. Lina is an onion of a character and I was totally here for the layers she revealed.
Captivated from the very start, I highly recommend this to kids and adults alike!
Much love to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster Canada for my ARC.
I thought it was gonna be a cute middlegrade book with maybe some giggles from the cover.
It was sooo much more.
This book addresses bullying, racism, immigration complications, some family drama, and personal growth. Lina is an onion of a character and I was totally here for the layers she revealed.
Captivated from the very start, I highly recommend this to kids and adults alike!
Much love to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster Canada for my ARC.
September 20, 2023
I always enjoy Kelly Yang's books, and this was no different for me. Ten-year-old Lina Gao steps off the plane from Beijing, and hasn't seen her parents or little sister in 5 years! She's glad to finally be in America, but adjusting to life is harder than she thought it would be-- and so is speaking English. She has trouble coming out of her shell until a group decides to ban some books that speak to her as an immigrant. She decides it's willing to fight for those books so others can see themselves in Children's books as well. (some of the books were graphic novels, too)
November 21, 2022
5 stars
I've yet to meet a Kelly Yang book I don't love, and this may be my favorite yet!
Lina, the m.c., has been living in China with her grandmother wondering and wondering when the day will come that she'll get to join her mother, father, and younger sister in Southern California. That day comes right at the start of the novel, and as Lina says a sad goodbye to her grandmother, she sets off on an uncertain but exciting and meaningful adventure: getting reacquainted with her immediate family, understanding why she was left behind, and getting a sense of what her future holds.
As usual, Yang manages to pack in SO much fantastic content while keeping the novel engaging and not didactic. There are wonderful characters including but not limited to Lina's family, a new friend at school, some new enemies at school, some new teachers and authority figures at school, and of course the folks tied to her dad's place of employment. These characters are all so intriguing, even when they play minor roles, and some are just as memorable as Lina (I'm looking at you, Mrs. Ortiz!). Along with the characters come THE ISSUES: concerns about money, challenges relating to immigration, struggles with "appropriate" content, friendship, family bonds, and guilt. The list goes on and on, and it never feels overwhelming or gratuitous. And while all of this is handled exceptionally, as one expects from Yang, for me, the integration of graphic novels, the discussion of book challenges, and the use of books as mirrors and sliding doors is the compound standout here.
I can't wait to recommend this to students and to generally interested parties. Of course, I was expecting something special from this author, but she still managed to exceed expectations with this one. Three cheers for Lina, her experiences, and her creator!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I've yet to meet a Kelly Yang book I don't love, and this may be my favorite yet!
Lina, the m.c., has been living in China with her grandmother wondering and wondering when the day will come that she'll get to join her mother, father, and younger sister in Southern California. That day comes right at the start of the novel, and as Lina says a sad goodbye to her grandmother, she sets off on an uncertain but exciting and meaningful adventure: getting reacquainted with her immediate family, understanding why she was left behind, and getting a sense of what her future holds.
As usual, Yang manages to pack in SO much fantastic content while keeping the novel engaging and not didactic. There are wonderful characters including but not limited to Lina's family, a new friend at school, some new enemies at school, some new teachers and authority figures at school, and of course the folks tied to her dad's place of employment. These characters are all so intriguing, even when they play minor roles, and some are just as memorable as Lina (I'm looking at you, Mrs. Ortiz!). Along with the characters come THE ISSUES: concerns about money, challenges relating to immigration, struggles with "appropriate" content, friendship, family bonds, and guilt. The list goes on and on, and it never feels overwhelming or gratuitous. And while all of this is handled exceptionally, as one expects from Yang, for me, the integration of graphic novels, the discussion of book challenges, and the use of books as mirrors and sliding doors is the compound standout here.
I can't wait to recommend this to students and to generally interested parties. Of course, I was expecting something special from this author, but she still managed to exceed expectations with this one. Three cheers for Lina, her experiences, and her creator!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
February 21, 2023
I received an Advance Listening Copy of Kelly Yang's most recent book from Libro.fm and was so excited to listen immediately!
This story deals with many things that really happened in the author's life as she adjusted to living as a Chinese immigrant in California.
It powerfully conveys the stress and hardship an immigrant family faces, from the perspective of a child who is facing her own personal struggles assimilating in school.
This book, along with Kelly Yang's previous book New From Here, make me want to go back to 5th grade and become friends with the kids in my school who didn't yet speak English.
Why we are cruel and exclusionary to those who seem different or foreign to us is so wild to me. Why is our first response not empathy and kindness?
In Finally Seen we get a glimpse of hardship and struggle, but we also get to witness that fighting immigrant spirit! Lina's parents work hard, and every member of her family is an entrepreneur who brings their individual ideas and gifts to the family, to the school, and to the community.
I especially love the way they dream big as a family, openly laying bare their hopes and wishes, along with their griefs and sorrows.
I'm a sucker for a family story where you get to see them root for each other, encourage each other, and work for the benefit of each other!
I'm a fan of Kelly Yang and her beautiful portrayals of familial love.
I'm off to read another of her stories -- Front Desk!
This story deals with many things that really happened in the author's life as she adjusted to living as a Chinese immigrant in California.
It powerfully conveys the stress and hardship an immigrant family faces, from the perspective of a child who is facing her own personal struggles assimilating in school.
This book, along with Kelly Yang's previous book New From Here, make me want to go back to 5th grade and become friends with the kids in my school who didn't yet speak English.
Why we are cruel and exclusionary to those who seem different or foreign to us is so wild to me. Why is our first response not empathy and kindness?
In Finally Seen we get a glimpse of hardship and struggle, but we also get to witness that fighting immigrant spirit! Lina's parents work hard, and every member of her family is an entrepreneur who brings their individual ideas and gifts to the family, to the school, and to the community.
I especially love the way they dream big as a family, openly laying bare their hopes and wishes, along with their griefs and sorrows.
I'm a sucker for a family story where you get to see them root for each other, encourage each other, and work for the benefit of each other!
I'm a fan of Kelly Yang and her beautiful portrayals of familial love.
I'm off to read another of her stories -- Front Desk!
September 12, 2023
I've said it before and I'll say it a thousand times over; Kelly Yang is one of the most talented authors in the middle grade game right now.
Finally Seen is one of the most empathetic, compassionate and heartwarming books I've had the joy of reading this year. Kelly Yang's way of storytelling is beautiful in its ability to convey the message she wants to tell, whilst also being wholly accessible and engaging. The characters she creates feel as real as the pages they're written on and their stories equally so.
This was such a gorgeous book and I can't wait to put it into the hands of as many readers, both young and old, as possible.
Finally Seen is one of the most empathetic, compassionate and heartwarming books I've had the joy of reading this year. Kelly Yang's way of storytelling is beautiful in its ability to convey the message she wants to tell, whilst also being wholly accessible and engaging. The characters she creates feel as real as the pages they're written on and their stories equally so.
This was such a gorgeous book and I can't wait to put it into the hands of as many readers, both young and old, as possible.
May 26, 2023
Darn you Kelly for always making me cry
September 29, 2023
Oh goodness. This book was cute and so devastating all at the same time.
Finally Seen is about Lina, a young girl who, after five year apart, is finally getting to move to the US to reunite with her family. She's a Chinese immigrant coming to post-pandemic America. Throughout this whole book, we get to see some of the hardships that she deals with in China, as well as the backwards bullshit in America (pardon my language but this book made me angry). Her father works for a curmudgeonly asshole of an farmer and her mom, who lost her job during the pandemic, is working at home making bath bombs on Etsy. The piece of shit mooch of a landlord is demanding close to $4000 in back rent, so Lina's family is doing everything possible to make that money.
Lina and her sister are permitted to go to fancy arts school since her dad works within the district area, but they are both told constantly to "be invisible". At this school, Lina meets some of the best people and some of the worst. The Librarian (who are always awesome) sets her up with tons of great graphic novels and she's able to see herself in these books. They make her feel seen. Then, of course, one of the books she loves most is being challenged with a book banning because some racist little girl was upset that the class called her out on her racist comments about the book. So her rich ass bitch of a mother petitions to get it banned.
At the end, things work out, but this book had me in tears at the injustice that a damn child had to face. Don't even get me started on the stupidity of books banning, god forbid someone experiences something that isn't about whiteness in some way or another. Being written by an immigrant, Kelly Yang makes this book highly personal and I have no doubt that the real truth about what her family went through is worse.
Finally Seen is about Lina, a young girl who, after five year apart, is finally getting to move to the US to reunite with her family. She's a Chinese immigrant coming to post-pandemic America. Throughout this whole book, we get to see some of the hardships that she deals with in China, as well as the backwards bullshit in America (pardon my language but this book made me angry). Her father works for a curmudgeonly asshole of an farmer and her mom, who lost her job during the pandemic, is working at home making bath bombs on Etsy. The piece of shit mooch of a landlord is demanding close to $4000 in back rent, so Lina's family is doing everything possible to make that money.
Lina and her sister are permitted to go to fancy arts school since her dad works within the district area, but they are both told constantly to "be invisible". At this school, Lina meets some of the best people and some of the worst. The Librarian (who are always awesome) sets her up with tons of great graphic novels and she's able to see herself in these books. They make her feel seen. Then, of course, one of the books she loves most is being challenged with a book banning because some racist little girl was upset that the class called her out on her racist comments about the book. So her rich ass bitch of a mother petitions to get it banned.
At the end, things work out, but this book had me in tears at the injustice that a damn child had to face. Don't even get me started on the stupidity of books banning, god forbid someone experiences something that isn't about whiteness in some way or another. Being written by an immigrant, Kelly Yang makes this book highly personal and I have no doubt that the real truth about what her family went through is worse.
July 17, 2024
I honestly didn't think Middle Grade would be the solution to awful reading slump this year, but here we are with the second awesome MG read in a row!
The characters' struggles, emotions, and heart really popped off the page, and I was so invested Lina's journey as she learns to find her voice and to navigate a new country and her family dynamics. The voice really pops off the page, and the importance of the themes and topics really hits home. The audiobook narration was also fabulous, and I definitely recommend for readers of all ages. I enjoyed it so much, I immediately snagged Front Desk by Kelly Yang too and can't wait to dive in!
The characters' struggles, emotions, and heart really popped off the page, and I was so invested Lina's journey as she learns to find her voice and to navigate a new country and her family dynamics. The voice really pops off the page, and the importance of the themes and topics really hits home. The audiobook narration was also fabulous, and I definitely recommend for readers of all ages. I enjoyed it so much, I immediately snagged Front Desk by Kelly Yang too and can't wait to dive in!
February 24, 2024
A good story. I had a difficult time getting engaged with the characters and the writing as it felt like it got quite repetitive in between. I wanted more character development and better story built up towards the second half.
But it’s still a good story showing the struggles of a girl and her family in another country. Yes, this is not just it but I couldn’t get more out of this book as I was trying to get more from it.
But it’s still a good story showing the struggles of a girl and her family in another country. Yes, this is not just it but I couldn’t get more out of this book as I was trying to get more from it.
April 3, 2023
5 stars. This might be the best Kelly Yang book ever! Love how she writes what she knows, evidence in the author’s notes, which are just as compelling as the book itself. Love her telling of the family dynamics, the immigration uncertainties, and the book banning struggle - unfortunately pulled from today’s headlines. I wonder how many people looked for the book Flea Shop like I did. Great book!
September 13, 2023
I didn’t like this book at first because the lack of communication amongst the family was very frustrating. But I realize how this mirrored Lina’s lived experience. As she got more comfortable in America and with English, the communication within her family got better too. Loved the teacher characters. The resolution was tied up very prettily and quickly, maybe not too realistically, but it IS a children’s book.
Read
October 12, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Racism
Racism
March 11, 2023
Fantastic! I miss the Front Desk gang but Lina's experiences at school are so relatable to lots of EL learners that I've taught. While the book banning storyline was so important too, I really love the picture of little Kelly in the back of the book! ❤️
October 29, 2023
Such an inspiring and heart warming book and I loved reading it. 5 stars - Kelly Yang is a genius.
December 10, 2023
This is the kind of book I'll be giving my son to read when he's old enough. I'm looking forward to reading her other books. Loved it.
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