Language: PG (9 Swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G (mature meanings of some emojis are eluded to, but not identified; Lina is beginning to mature and is very self-conscious about her changing body.); Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
10yo Lina and her friend Carly seem to be the only 5th graders without a phone. But when Lina's mom discovers that social media can help grow her business, Lina gets a phone to help film videos for her. She soon discovers the allure of social media, and wants desperately to join Discord, and be part of a group chat. She soon discovers that her friends act differently in a group chat, saying things online they would never say in real life.
I so want my 7th - 9th graders to read Finally Heard, and I hope they won't be turned away by the ages of Lina and her friends. Yang's story is engaging and relevant and I loved that their teacher was fostering discussions about brain chemistry and why the children are becoming addicted to social media. The author's note, including essential research on social media and kids, is directed more to parents and teachers than the intended readers. It's almost as if Yang anticipated Finally Heard as a class novel and included a teacher study guide. While it continues Lina's immigration story, reading Finally Seen is not necessary, although highly recommended. Lina is Chinese.
Lisa Librarian
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