Finally Seen (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781534488335)

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.

Author: Kelly Yang
ISBN-10: 1534488332
ISBN-13: 9781534488335
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Language: English
Published: 02/28/2023
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.51h x 5.83w x 1.12d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.3
Point Value: 9
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 518160 / Finally Seen


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2022
Booklist 12/01/2022 pg. 123
Publishers Weekly 01/02/2023
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2023 pg. 96
Shelf Awareness 03/03/2023
School Library Journal 09/29/2023 pg. 1
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2023 - Superior,Well Above Average