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Finally Seen

By Kelly Yang
Edition

Hardcover edition

Publisher Simon & Schuster Imprint Simon & Schuster BFYR ISBN

9781534488335

Finally Seen

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In stock
SKU
9781534488335J

CONTENT NOTIFICATIONS

Discrimination: Racial Insensitivity/Racism

From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes a gripping 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 in order to choose a future where she’s finally seen.



Author’s note, with photographs.
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Praise & Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 3–7—Arriving in Los Angeles from Beijing after five years away from her parents and little sister Millie, fifth grader Lina Gao has a lot of challenges. First, she found that her parents have been lying about their lives in the U.S.—her microbiologist dad is not a scientist as he claimed in his letters; he is an organic regenerative farmer who works at least 15 hours a day in the field. Her family does not live in a two-story blue house with a white fence, but in a cramped apartment in Los Ramos where she sleeps on a bunk bed. And her mother and little sister make and sell bath bombs on Etsy to repay the extensive back rent they owe from the pandemic. Lina also discovers her parents' green card applications still haven't been filed, after years of waiting. On top of that, Lina has a lot of adjustments at school, including making friends and speaking English. Luckily, she is assigned to work with a special education teacher, Mrs. Ortis, who is a young immigrant from Guatemala. With support from Mrs. Ortis and school librarian Mrs. Hollis, who recommends books that speak to her experience, Lina begins to adjust to her new life. Yang's latest depicts Lina's courage, kindness, and hard work to navigate her first year in the U.S. while building relationships new and old. VERDICT A great novel that depicts the challenges of being a Chinese immigrant in the U.S. while highlighting universally relatable themes of feeling like an outcast for middle schoolers.—Anna Ching-Yu Wong

Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5-7)

Upper Elementary & Junior High

Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5-7)

For Grades 5-7

The perfect literary mix for your middle-grade readers. Featuring subject matter a bit more complex and multi-dimensional, this category is packed with captivating novels and fascinating nonfiction. Expect the 12 books offered in tis category to fly off the shelf.

12 books per Year
$236.64 per Year
Interests

Chapter Books/Novels, Fiction, Reluctant Readers, Transitional Readers, Realistic Fiction

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