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, its her first time in Americaandthe first time seeing her parents and her little sister in five years! Shes 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, its not exactly like in the postcards:

1. Schools a lot harder than she thought. When she mispronounces some words in English on the first day, she decides she simply wont talk. Ever again.

2. Her chatty little sister hasnoproblem 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 Moms letters, and they owe alotof back rent from the pandemic. And Moms 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 Linas courage and resilience to get over her fear in order to choose a future where shes finally seen.

Hardcover, Feb 28th 2023