KIRKUS Gives MY NAME IS AI LIN Glowing Review

One of the most important components of a successful book launch is receiving reviews from respected industry review publications. Receiving positive reviews can elevate a book. Likewise, getting negative reviews can hurt chances for success. Reviews are not guaranteed – review publications are not required to read and critique every book. That’s why it’s a big deal to receive reviews from industry publications.

My new picture book, MY NAME IS AI LIN, launched in July 2025. It received a rare and esteemed Starred Review from School Library Journal. I was thrilled to receive recognition from this well-regarded journal. In the meantime, I was hoping that Kirkus would also review my book.

According to the Kirkus website, “Kirkus Collections helps librarians build and continually update collections…all selections are recommended not only for their thematic match and reading experience, but also for their literary and artistic merit. Before being added to a list, the quality of the writing and/or illustration in each book must meet the discerning standards of Kirkus Reviews, the toughest and most authoritative voice in book recommendations since 1933.”

I’m excited to announce that Kirkus MY NAME IS AI LIN a glowing review! It released the online review of the book yesterday. Kirkus will be publishing the MY NAME IS AI LIN review in its printed magazine next month.

The Kirkus review highlighted the most important parts of the story. It ended by saying that the book was “an empowering celebration of identity.” I’m honored to be receiving this review from Kirkus.

Thank you to my publisher, Sleeping Bear Press, for believing in this book, and to Kirkus for reviewing MY NAME IS AI LIN!