Finally Seen

Kelly Yang’s Finally Seen is a realistic contemporary middle grade novel first published in 2023. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Finally Seen describes 10-year-old Lina Gao’s adjustment to American culture after growing up in Beijing, China. After arriving in California, Lina faces challenges with learning English, attending public school, and making friends. The novel highlights themes of The Benefits of a Strong Support System, Finding the Courage to Raise One’s Voice, and Using Imagination to Bolster Positivity and Progress.

This guide references the 2023 edition from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Content Warning: This guide includes discussion of anti-Chinese xenophobia, anti-immigrant biases, bullying, abuse, child loss, and racism.

Plot Summary

Ten-year-old Lina Gao flies to Los Angeles from Beijing. When her parents and seven-year-old sister, Millie, emigrated from China to California five years ago, Lina stayed behind with her grandparents, Lao Lao and Lao Ye. Lao Ye subsequently passed away, and Lina helped care for Lao Lao as she got older. Now that Lina is joining her family in California, Lao Lao must live in a nursing home. Though Lina feels guilty for leaving Lao Lao behind, she is eager to see her parents and sister.