Parents' Guide to

Picture Us in the Light

By Lucinda Dyer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Compelling story of friendship, family, loss, and secrets.

Book Kelly Loy Gilbert Coming of Age 2018
Picture Us in the Light Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

ChickenCoop
ChickenCoop Adult
November 22, 2020
age 14+

Beautiful book and more Hard/painful/potentially triggering stuff than I was prepared for

This is a beautiful story. I loved it in so so many ways. I believe in representation in media. I am an adult who loves YA novels and read with an ear towards recommending to youth in my life. I wish I had read a review that gave me a stronger content warning, so I am here writing this one. Major spoiler alert *** **** In particular I wish I had known that there would be a ‘first person’ narrative from the perspective an 18 month old about her abduction including the murder of her primary caregiver.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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