Starred Review from School Library Journal – MY NAME IS AI LIN

MY NAME IS AI LIN has received a Starred Review from School Library Journal! This trade magazine is the premiere publication for librarians who work with children and teens. It is what librarians typically use to determine which books to add to their libraries. School Library Journal designates starred reviews to books that are exceptionally well-written, engaging, relevant for its intended audience, and will have staying power.

In the review pictured above, it mentions that MY NAME IS AI LIN “will pair well with other books about names like Kevin Henkes’ Chrysanthemum or Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s Your Name is a Song. I’m honored that the reviewer aligned my book with these two respected and established authors who I respect.

I especially love the last line which summarizes the review’s recommendation: “VERDICT: This charming book about a girl navigating new situations belongs in every collection.”

This book was especially personal for me as it not only reflected my culture, but also included the real-life Ai Lin and Ai Mei who are mentioned in the story — my daughters! Thank you, School Library Journal, for the starred review for MY NAME IS AI LIN!

UPDATE: School Library Journal has included MY NAME IS AI LIN in its article, “Not Just Books-A Jump Start | Great Books” as a recommended book! From the article: “The books in this list don’t just provide stories—they provide first contact with literacy itself. They tell children, ‘Words matter. Stories matter. You matter.’”