Member Reviews

From the cover, I thought this would be a biography of Jeremy, Lin. It is, but only in a vague way. This book starts out asking if you have you ever felt X, have you ever felt Y, and then says there was somebody else who felt just like you. They overcame it and if they can, so can you. I like the message of the book but it’s not a biography. There are two pages about Jeremy Lin’s life at the end and the information is interesting but there’s just something about the entire read. I appreciate the effort and I like the story I just don’t think it works as a biography.

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I love If Lin Can How Jeremy Lin Inspired Asian Americans to Shoot for the Stars by Richard Ho! I didn't know much about Jeremy Lin before this book, but feel like it was a good introduction to his story. I'm inspired by Mr. Lin's life and am thankful that he is a Christian and nit ashamed of it. I think If Lin Can How Jeremy Lin Inspired Asian Americans to Shoot for the Stars by Richard Ho is a great read for any story time. I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book, My review is also on Goodreads.

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Utilizing the story of Jeremy Lin as an impressive example, this simple book brings real encouragement to those who have experienced the feelings brought on by others continually saying "you can't do that" to you.
The illustrations by Huỳnh Kim Liên and Phùng Nguyên Quang are clear, imaginative, colorful, and representative.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from the Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!
"Believe you can, and you're halfway there." Theodore Roosevelt
Available 16 Apr 2024 #Athletes #AsianAndAAPI Stories #Activists #Encouragement

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Cleanly laid out with concise text and an inspiring biographical summary after the main narrative. Very strong coverage of an inspirational figure.

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Cover and Illustrations are really cute, simple yet engaging. It showed how Lin overcame a lot listing many scenarios that would relate to a lot of children.

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What the author achieves with few words in If Lin Can, is truly amazing. It really gives everyone something to think about, but I really think it will be very inspiring to young kids from marginalized backgrounds. The illustrations were gorgeous and the story, as well as the short biography at the end of the book were really great. I would recommend for sure!

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The Inspiring Rise of Jeremy Lin

In the beautifully illustrated children's book "If Lin Can: How Jeremy Lin Inspired Asian Americans to Shoot for the Stars," author Richard Ho and illustrators Huynh Kim Liên and Phùng Nguyên Quang bring to life the extraordinary story of basketball phenom Jeremy Lin.

"If Lin Can" celebrates the hoop dreams of one Asian American kid from Palo Alto who never gave up. With vivid artwork and engaging prose, Ho captures the underdog tenacity that made the Harvard graduate a cultural touchstone for Asian Americans hungry for mainstream representation.

Ho makes sure to spotlight the racism and doubts Lin overcame all his life as an Asian American playing a traditionally African American sport. A decade later, with anti-Asian hate crimes on the upswing, Lin's barrier-breaking journey from NBA benchwarmer to global superstar offers hope and inspiration when both are sorely needed.

Ho's admiring-yet-unvarnished portrait should resonate with kids of any background who have been told their dreams were unrealistic. Like its subject, "If Lin Can" is ready to soar.

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A great book to read to your children or in school, with wonderful illustrations. The writing is simple but inspirational. Definitely recommended as children's book

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I love the inspirational message behind this book and the authors message at the end. I also really appreciate the informative back matter. As someone who doesn’t know much about basketball it was helpful to understand the references to his big game. The text is simple but inspiring. This will make a great read aloud and gives parents and teachers space to talk about representation and their own experiences of feeling different or othered.

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"Have you ever been told you can't?" What an excellent first line! There are great examples in the story of being mistreated, doubted, left out, etc. If you see someone who looks like you, has been described like you, it makes a difference. Then the story relates to Jeremy Lin and the struggles he had. What a powerful story! It is excellent for all students and kids, but especially Asian Americans.

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Wow, this book was a slam dunk! "If Lin Can" is an uplifting biography that resonates with kids who've ever been told they can't achieve their dreams. Growing up in the Bay Area, Jeremy Lin faced adversity and prejudice, but he never gave up. This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book captures his incredible journey to becoming the first Taiwanese American in the NBA. Richard Ho's heartfelt storytelling encourages racial self-esteem and inspires children to believe in themselves. It's not just for Asian Americans; it's for all kids who need a dose of motivation. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!

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This nonfiction picture book has lyrical writing and beautiful, vibrant illustrations, celebrating the accomplishments and legacy of Jeremy Lin. This will appeal to fans of Lin, and to children who are interested in basketball. The author directs this book to Asian American children, encouraging their racial self-esteem and sense of possibility throughout the book, but people of any race can enjoy this as well.

Although the text is pretty simple, the author shares a lot of information throughout the book, and I appreciate that he included Lin's devout Christian faith as an important part of this biography, instead of glossing over religion. I also enjoyed the additional note at the end, which shared even more details and included the author's personal story of connecting with Lin's basketball journey.

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Wow! I AM SO IMPRESSED!
This book is just perfection. It’s motivation. It’s picture perfect at its best when it comes to the illustrations. The entire book is so visual with colourful pages. The writing is minimal yet it packs with perfection as it delivers exactly what it means to.

Never listen to the naysayers. If there’s something you want to excel at, just keep trying and go for it.

Thank you, Charlesbridge, for the advance reading copy.

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I have added this book to my TrueStory Bookshop and recommend it in three categories:
True Stories ~ Athletes
True Stories ~ Asian and AAPI Stories
True Stories ~ Activists
https://bookshop.org/shop/KarlinGray

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If Lin Can is an inspirational pep talk to all kids who have felt down and out, underestimated and overlooked. We've all been there in some form or another. With beautiful prose and inspiring illustrations, this book is great motivation for kids to believe in themselves, continue to work hard, and never give up. The story of Jeremy Lin is included at the back, and this book is definitely inspired by his story, but this book is for all kids who have ever doubted themselves. I love this for all our kids!

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!

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