If Lin Can by Richard Ho illustrated by Huynh Kim Lien and Phung Nguyen Quang - ESSENTIAL

If Lin Can: How Jeremy Lin Inspired Asian Americans to Shoot for the Stars by Richard Ho illustrated by Huynh Kim Lien and Phung Nguyen Quang. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2024. $19. 9781623543723

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Have you ever been told that you weren't tall enough? Good enough? Or weren't able to do something due to your race, ethnicity, or game?Jeremy Lin grew up hearing these types of statements. He wanted to become a basketball player. He didn't let these negative messages affect him. He persevered and went on to become a famous and inspiring player. 

I liked this book because it addressed many negative stereotypes and put downs that children hear every day. It was inspiring to see that despite being told he couldn't do it, Lin didn't let that stop him. The pictures and text were engaging. Jeremy Lin's emigrated from Taiwan. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher