Review: Finally Seen

 

Lina lives in China with her grandmother while her mother, father, and younger sister live in America. Her parents have always told her they will send for her...one day. And that day has come. But their life is nothing like the life from the post cards.

Things are hard in America. Her father is rarely home. He works all the time. His boss is terrible. Her mother and sister have created an Etsy shop for bath bombs. They are trying to help generate money for the back rent that's due. 

Lina isn't sure where she fits into their world. She struggles at school and at home. But at school, she has a friend in the librarian. She eats lunch in the library and soon she's reading graphic novels. Her English isn't perfect, but it's getting better. If only everything else would fall into place...

My Thoughts: I'm a huge Kelly Yang fan. I loved this book - for so many reasons. I loved the family story - where Lina struggled to understand this strange world. My heart went out to Lina for all her struggles, but also all her determination. I loved the bath bombs and how the family created them together and sold them on Etsy. I enjoyed watching her get to know her sister Millie. Lina looked to Millie for both advice and sometimes what not to do. I loved her relationship with the school librarian. I loved all the mentions of graphic novels. I loved how Lina spoke up for banned books and how she refused to back down. She's such a strong character. I really admired her.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library collection.

Also, check out the fun TikTok my co-worker (Also a Kelly Yang fan) and I made.