Tween Time Book Chat: Finally Seen by Kelly Yang

Join Coralie & Lyndsey for a discussion surrounding the 2024 Connecticut All Reads book selection Finally Seen by Kelly Yang and make a bath bomb to take home! 

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. Simon & Schuster 2023

For rising 5th-8th graders. 

Registration required.

We will have physical copies of the book available to borrow. Books will need to be returned at our meeting. This title is also available in ebook and audiobook format on The Palace Project, a free app available to all CT residents with a library card.