Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Compelling story of friendship, family, loss, and secrets.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As PICTURE US IN THE LIGHT begins, Danny Cheng has what seems to be an enviable life. He's been admitted to Rhode Island School of Design on a full scholarship, fulfilling his and his parents' dreams that he'll become an artist. At school, he has a close circle of friends, including his best friend, Harry Wong, and Harry's girlfriend, Regina Chan. But Danny's excitement at being accepted at RISD is tempered by the dread and panic he feels at the thought of being separated from Harry. The story unfolds in flashbacks -- Danny's parents' life in China, the family's years in Texas and their move to California, how Danny met Harry and Regina, and the shocking suicide of one of the teens' friends. When Danny discovers a box of papers hidden in a closet, he begins to wonder if his parents have been truthful about the death of the older sister he never knew. But that's not the only secret his parents are keeping from Danny. When his father loses his job and the family is forced to move to another town, he learns that his parents have an even darker secret that will affect both their future and Danny's.
Is It Any Good?
There's a lot going on in this novel with multiple storylines, shocking secrets, and flashbacks, but it's all grounded by the relatable and likable character of Danny Cheng. Most readers of Picture Us in the Light will probably catch on early to the truth about Danny's feelings for Harry and what really happened to his sister, but the second secret his parents have kept hidden is genuinely surprising.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the pressure to succeed felt by characters in Picture Us in the Light. How do students at your school cope with stress about grades and getting into the right college?
Danny gives up a lot to help his parents. Do you think he made the right choice?
Has anyone at your school ever died in an accident or committed suicide? How did the students and administration handle it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : April 10, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 386
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate