Kelly Yang is a master of the middle grades novel and this story is no exception. The book tackles the introduction of social media into the middle grades and the impact it is having on the mental health and self esteem of youth while also explaining the science behind it. The story is heart warming relatable and most of all fun! It shows the impact good educators can have when they are willing to adapt their teaching to the needs and interests of their students, the importance of real connection and important conversations between friends and parents and children and the real dangers and consequences that exist. It even includes a chapter at the end of the book with the actual research and science behind social media/screen addiction. This book is so important, a must read for tweens and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Another fantastic book by Kelly Yang! Although it's written for middle graders on the topic of social media, I think the book has broader appeal, and definitely has important takeaways for adults, too.

I've long been a fan of this author since my now high-school aged son did a read aloud of one of her books in his 5th grade class. She writes about thought provoking topics through relatable characters, interesting storylines, and the perfectamount of humour. That same formula is applied again in Finally Heard, and the result is superb. This was a great follow up to her previous book, Finally Seen, featuring Lina, her sister Millie, and their parents, both Chinese immigrants.

This is a must read for all families with children who have phones and/or access social media. Highly recommend this 5 star read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

Kelly Yang has done it again. She has told a story, taught a lesson, and entertained in a beautifully written way. I can't wait to read this one with my own kids as they become old enough to use social media. I l9ve how Lina and her family try to navigate the internet maze together - it is new for us as parents as we grew up without social media, as did our parents. There is something so genuine about the family and love the Gaos have for each other.

I received an e-galley of Finally Heard by Kelly Yang from Simon and Schuster Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Finally Heard is the second Lina Gao story in the Finally Seen series and just like the first book, it did not disappoint. In this story, Lina struggles with what it means to be one of the only people in her class without a phone and social media accounts. But in a world consumed by Tik Toks, trending videos, and group chats, it seems unavoidable as even Lina's mom ventures into this world in order to get word of their small business out. Lina soon finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into the world of social media and the algorithms that begin to confuse her in terms of what she needs and wants in life.

There is such a great conversation to be had around social media for children in this story. I really liked how Kelly Yang was also able to show how social media can be unhealthy for adults - that it is not just young people who are affected and how having good adult role models are necessary for children to be able to navigate the world of social media, if they are to navigate it at all. Another aspect that I really enjoyed was the ways in which the teacher within the story also tried to educate her class about the science behind social media and explain what is happening to our brains when we engage in unhealthy behaviours.

This is definitely a much needed story for young readers today as many of them, just like Lina, are starting to get pulled into the world that is within a smart phone.

Finally Heard is my first Kelly Yang book and I have to say I will read others. This novel tells the story of a preteen girl dealing with changes happening to her body and all the feelings that are associated with this. On top of all of this she finally gets a phone and dives head first into the world of social media by making videos to promote her mother's business and her video goes viral. It is a great read for preteens and children using media at this time in their life as there are many lessons that are taught through the story as well as a well placed teacher that explains how social media and the brain work in a kid friendly and in such a way that it worked in the story.

There is also a section at the back of the book that gives essential research on social media and kids and is a good read for parents and caregivers in my opinion.

I highly recommend this book to students in grade 4 and up and would be a great gift or addition to their personal library. I also think that it is a necessary buy for school and public libraries. The expected release date is Feb. 27, 2024.

Thank you Net Galley, Simon and Schuster Canada and, Kelly Yang for the opportunity to preview this novel.
#NetGAlley #SimonandSchusterCanada #SimonandSchusterBooksForYoungReaders #FinallyHeard #KellyYang

In Finally Seen, (2023), fifth grader Lina Gao faces the challenges of social media and puberty. When her mother's business hits a rough patch, Lina takes to social media to help, overcoming her insecurities about her changing body. With a new phone in hand, she dives into texting and posting online, only to encounter the dark side of internet use: misinformation, trolling, envy, and body image issues. As her classmates' phone use spirals out of control, their teacher educates them on the science behind their behavior. Lina finds herself in a flame war and her best friend Carla discovers she's been catfished. While the novel delivers an important message about internet safety, the focus on teaching moments detracts from character development and storytelling. This is a sequel, so we have loved and followed these characters and want to learn more about them : )

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Lina wants to help her mom find success in her small business, and when they make a video on instagram, they are shocked to see it go viral! That joy is addictive, so they continue to chase it, helping other small businesses to make videos, while Lina has her own discovery of the highs and lows of social media.

Though I didn't enjoy this one as much as the book before it ("Finally Seen"), I think it's a powerful story to communicate the dangers of social media and WHY it is the way that it is - the appeal, the influence, and the addiction. Lina is a main character you root for, and I just wanted the best for her throughout this whole story.

I love the premise of this book - and I especially appreciate the way Lina’s teacher explains how social media affects humans. Lina and her friends are experimenting with social media, and Lina is experiencing uncomfortable puberty issues at the same time. There is some online stranger danger, phone addiction, and cyber bullying. Oh, and measuring oneself against peers’ online personas.

Preteen girls are going to love this book, although it sometimes comes across as a bit preachy. There’s a lot going on in it! I loved Finally Seen, and was hoping for as strong a sequel, but I realize that’s a pretty tall order.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of this book.