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christywinemiller's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
treylaura's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
theladydoor's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anacereading's review
Started listening to this book with my kid, who decided not to continue right now. And I realized I hadn’t read the first one yet! Oops. The first few chapters were good tho :)
estein80's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
fionak's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kindredbooks's review against another edition
5.0
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 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.
theoceanrose's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
yapha's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In this sequel to Finally Seen, Lina has settled into life in California and is now dealing with two big issues -- her changing body and the perils and pitfalls of social media. As an adult, I felt that some of the messages were heavy handed. The intended readers, however, may appreciate that they are not the only ones feeling super self consciousness about both their bodies and all of the mixed messages coming through their phones. I love that Lina's teacher explains the science behind how social media sucks us in to her students and Kelly Yang also includes an afterward with more information. Lots of good messages here, wrapped up in an engaging story. For grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
redheadread's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5