Finally Seen

After patiently waiting, Lina Gao is finally going to be reunited with her parents and younger sister in the United States! For the past five years, Lina has been living in Beijing, China, and has been raised by her grandmother, Lao Lao. Her parents and younger sister moved to America without Lina, promising that she would eventually join them. So, when the day finally comes, Lina is excited to see her family again and begin her new, glorious life in America. 

When Lina arrives, the life her parents described and the reality of their situation are very different. Money is tight, their apartment seems to be falling apart, her dad is overworked, and she has trouble connecting to her younger sister. On top of all that, Lina is struggling to learn English, which makes it hard for her to connect with other kids her age. In fact, other kids have been laughing at her, making fun of her, and destroying her confidence.  

Despite these challenges, Lina decides to push through, not only for herself but also for her family. She works hard to learn English with her ELL teacher, she begins to make friends, and she steps into her role as a big sister. In addition, she helps her dad find the courage to leave his harmful work environment, and she helps her mom grow her small business. Through this, her family overcomes financial hardships, and Lina rebuilds her confidence and begins to excel.  

Lina also finds her voice and conquers her fears, allowing her to give a speech in English to a large crowd. Lina stood “staring out at so many strangers, each and every one of whom [spoke] better English than [her].  She felt her knees wobble. But adrenaline [pushed her] forward as [she reminded herself] that [she] worked too hard and waited too long for this moment.” This is one example that proves that her voice is courageous and powerful.  

Millie Gao, Lina’s younger sister, grew up in America after her parents moved there with her when she was very young. She is bubbly and extremely extroverted, contrasting with her older sister Lina. Her embrace of youth culture is evident in her obsession with TikTok dances and trendy expressions. However, Millie struggles with insecurities when trying to fit in with her classmates, particularly the most popular classmates. Initially, she compromises her principles to fit in, but as the story progresses, she experiences personal growth and recognizes what and who is truly important to her. Millie realizes that her popular peers, who are absorbed in their own lives, are no match for her family, who cherish her deeply.  

Finally Seen is a heartwarming story that displays the realistic lives of an immigrant family and their struggles in modern America. At only ten years old, Lina has taken on the burden of her parents’ financial hardships, attempts to fit into American culture, and navigates discrimination at school. Her character is relatable to any young immigrant who has struggled with learning English and adapting to American life. It is also relatable to any reader who has endured bullying and, like Lina, found strength through the struggle.  

Kelly Yang wrote Finally Seen with her own experiences in mind, as she, too, faced harsh realities when she was a young immigrant in America. Like Lina, Yang moved to America at a young age and initially struggled to find her way. Eventually, she overcame adversity and decided to share her story with others to ensure that they felt seen. Finally Seen is a must-read due to its authenticity and uplifting, inspiring narrative.    

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• While there is no physical violence, Lina faces bullying. Jessica, a student in Lina’s class who is hostile towards her, wrote a mean message on the back of the school’s bathroom stall. She wrote, “I wonder why she doesn’t talk. Her English is trash, that’s why. I bet Mrs. Carter only gave her the Best Emerging Artist thing because she felt sorry for her. It’s a pity award – for sure.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None 

by Leela Kowalski