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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.

More Juvenile Books

  • In How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?, authors Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen explore the whimsical question of Santa's descent on Christmas Eve. With a blend of earnest deadpan humor and irresistibly funny illustrations, they present a variety of imaginative possibilities, from sliding under doors to shape-shifting through faucets, inviting readers to ponder the delightful mysteries of the holiday season.

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  • John's Turn, authored by Mac Barnett, beautifully celebrates the theme of individuality through the lens of a young boy's performance at school. As John prepares to share his talent for dancing, his journey unfolds with tenderness and subtlety, showcasing the courage it takes to express oneself in front of an audience.

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  • In Just Because, a curious child bombards their patient father with questions about the world, from the color of the ocean to the fate of the dinosaurs. As bedtime approaches, the father responds with increasingly imaginative answers, creating a delightful bedtime experience for both little ones and their parents.

    Read More about "Just Because"...

  • A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart. Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial–a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas. Full of wordplay [...]