Finally Seen

By: Kelly Yang

Narrated by: Cindy Kay, Kelly Yang

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.

©2023 Kelly Yang (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Kay skillfully portrays Lina’s thoughts, a messy mixture of happiness at rejoining her family, sadness at having left her beloved grandmother, curiosity about her new home, and severe anxiety over her imperfect English. Kay balances this with Lina’s ever-growing voice as she learns to speak out on behalf of the people and beliefs she holds dear. Kelly Yang enthusiastically narrates her author’s note about the value of being seen in children’s literature." (AudioFile Magazine)

Representation Matters…

There’s nothing like entering a foreign country, school or workplace and not being taken seriously. People can be so cruel, especially kids. This was a very good young adult book that gives a good depiction of someone navigating uncharted territories.
Adults and kids can learn a lot by reading this book. It’s not good to assume things about people because they are not where you’re from or even look like you. You can’t assume someone thinks some sort of way, or live/act because they are different. You should always get to know a person. Laughing and being demeaning without reason is very mean & ignorant. I was pleasantly surprised that some of this book was a true story. I can’t wait to read the next installment.

AWESOME

This book was so good I loved it thanks you it was so heartwarming to hear so thank you thank you thank you I LOVED IT ✨🌟⭐️💫

Perfect 😍

I really enjoyed listening to this book. It was really good and relatable, and talked about issues going on in real life really well. As a 12 year old I thought that this book was really good and recommend it to any other kids.

AMAZING

GREAT JOB KELLY YANG you are awesome at all of the Books you made. This is incredible and I feel so sorry for the main character but in the end I was so happy when she said she was FINALLY SEEN

Wonderful!!!

This is such a wonderful book! I listened to this with my daughter and we both felt that there was so much to relate to. This book allows all voices to be hear. Thank you for such an awesome book!

Amazing

It’s hard to describe how amazing this book is it captures struggles and funny moments and all the in between.

My heart is bursting with joy and gratitude.

I am a 5th grade teacher. Every child should be able to see themselves in classroom literature. Classroom libraries should consist of books that are mirrors and/or windows. Share this book far and wide.