"Infused with the power of books, friendship and empathetic librarians, this inspiring novel sees a young Chinese immigrant find a way to be seen in America"
July 2023 Book of the Month
Having fallen head-over-heels in love with the author’s Front Desk series, Kelly Yang’s latest Middle Grade novel has certainly put paid to my withdrawal symptoms! Exploring the struggles and exploitation faced by immigrants, the struggle to be seen, and the pressing issue of book banning, it’s a poignant and powerfully pertinent novel that couldn’t be more perfectly-pitched for 9+-year-olds.
Finally Seen shares the inspiring story of Lina. Five years after her parents went to America to lay foundations for a new life, Lina is about to join them from China. Ahead of this monumental move, she wonders how they could “take Millie, my baby sister, and not me? My sister got to grow up with my parents. Me? I grew up with postcards from my parents.”
At the same time, Lina feels guilty about leaving her beloved grandma, and there are moving parallels between their situations. While Lina struggles to find her way in America, her grandma struggles to feel at home in her new retirement complex.
Despite being bullied at school, brave, resilient Lina finds supportive new friends. And, thanks to her adorable school librarian, she also finds fresh confidence and a strong voice through discovering the magic of books, most notably graphic novels.
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