Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Finally Seen by Kelly Yang was chosen for our book this month.

It's always nice to see a publication geared to a younger audience.
What did you think of it?

http://richiespicks.pbworks.com/FINAL...

FINALLY SEEN by Kelly Yang has short chapters but over 300 pages so it meant for a persevering reader. Lina is reunited with her family in America but must leave her grandmother behind in China. As she adjusts to the realities of life in the U. S., she encounters sibling rivalry, poverty, racism, book banning and difficulty mastering English. She grows apart from her grandmother as her values align with her new peers. An important addition to the books that describe the contemporary immigrant experience.

I'm only about 1/3 through. I'm finding it such an odd variation between being random, speculative, and suggestive, even as an adult reader. I can only think that an intended younger audience is going to be even more lost. It's the reading material from a teen vogue but then trying to pass it as Cleary. So far the only part I'm staying partially interested in is the Etsy store, not because it's the most interesting, but because just about everything else drops off as soon as and as quickly as it it's even introduced.

This story's portrayal of new girl Lina "who can't speak English in school" is so convincingly painful, readers are confronted by the reality of how an immigrant family, even a highly educated one, can possibly survive in the US, against all odds. I found this an important and highly fascinating story about a girl finding her strength. Students should read Finally Seen to perceive a more realistic view of the diverse life of so many immigrants in this country, and the challenges they face trying to create a better life for their family in America. A great story, but I don't see it as a Newbery contender.

Wonderful review; makes me want to read it more. Why not for the Newbery though?

Good question, I realized I should have explained my Newbery comment afterwards. I liked Kelly Yang’s Front Desk even better can’t help but compare the 2 books. Front Desk had more different captivating story paths than Finally Seen. But in todays world, Finally Seen is the story kids should read, immigration is a hot topic right now. Must say, I love all of Kelly Yang’s books.

Yes, Front Desk is a special book - I confess I haven't read the sequels because the first book was so good. I will read Finally Seen when our copy comes in and see. Agreed, perspectives on immigration are so needed right now but that doesn't alone a Newbery Winner make!

Finally finished this book. yesterday and personally I do not think this book is Newbery worthy. I felt like messages came first and story second. While the messages aren't bad they felt force like she was trying to put too much into the story. It would be better to pick one important topic and go with that. Some parts of the story felt a little unrealistic to me as well. While not a bad book I feel it didn't do much for me and is not distinguished.