From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes a gripping 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, its her first time in America and the 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 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 Moms letters, and they owe a lot of 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.
In her poignant and thought-provoking memoir, "Finally," Kelly Yang takes readers on a journey through her tumultuous adolescence and into her life as a young adult, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of happiness.
"Finally" delves into Yang's experiences growing up as the child of Chinese immigrants in a small town in Arkansas. She navigates the challenges of assimilation, cultural differences, and the pressures of living up to her family's expectations. Through introspective reflections and candid storytelling, Yang brings to life the struggles she faced with self-acceptance and her search for a sense of belonging.
As Yang enters adulthood, she navigates the complexities of romantic relationships, personal growth, and career aspirations. She confronts societal stereotypes and biases, fighting against the limitations placed on her as a woman of color. Through her writing, Yang offers a powerful and relatable voice to those who have ever felt marginalized or different.
"Finally" resonates with its honest and unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by many young people today. It is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness in a world that often tries to define us. Kelly Yang's memoir is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity, belonging, and the human experience.
