If Lin Can: How Jeremy Lin Inspired Asian Americans to Shoot for the Stars

by Richard Ho, Huỳnh Kim Liên (Illustrator), Phùng Nguyên Quang (Illustrator)

This biography of basketball superstar Jeremy Lin is an anthem of Asian American pride that speaks to any child who feels underestimated or misunderstood. If Lin can, you can!

Have you ever been told that you CAN’T? Growing up in the Bay Area, Jeremy Lin heard that over and over again. People made fun of his size and his race and wouldn’t give him a chance. But Jeremy persevered until he became the first Taiwanese American to play in the NBA. And when his big moment came, he seized it!

Jeremy’s meteoric rise, dubbed "Linsanity," inspired the world and a whole generation of young Asian Americans. As author Richard Ho puts it, “Jeremy’s struggles were our struggles, so his triumphs were our triumphs. He made us believe that if he could succeed, so could we.”

Genres: Biography, Sports, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Asian American, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I AM SO IMPRESSED!
This book is just perfection. It’s motivation. It’s picture perfect at its best when it comes to the illustrations. The entire book is so visual with colourful pages. The writing is minimal yet it packs with perfection as it delivers exactly what it means to.

Never listen to the naysayers. If there’s something you want to excel at, just keep trying and go for it.

Thank you, Charlesbridge, for the advance reading copy.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the cover, I thought this would be a biography of Jeremy, Lin. It is, but only in a vague way. This book starts out asking if you have you ever felt X, have you ever felt Y, and then says there was somebody else who felt just like you. They overcame it and if they can, so can you. I like the message of the book but it’s not a biography. There are two pages about Jeremy Lin’s life at the end and the information is interesting but there’s just something about the entire read. I appreciate the effort and I like the story I just don’t think it works as a biography.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shooting for the Stars When the Odds are Stacked Against You

In brushes both bold and deft, the illustrators of “If Lin Can” limn the complicated contours of Jeremy Lin, the singular Asian-American basketball hero who emerged, as if by destiny’s hand, to demonstrate what perseverance and courage can achieve.

With Lin’s story, author Richard Ho finds the strands of adversity and doubt that have long clung to the minority psyche and reweaves them into an uplifting narrative of promise.

This profoundly American tale plays out in technicolor streams of struggle and redemption. We see Lin grappling with schoolyard taunts undermining his belonging, weathering skepticism from those unable or unwilling to envision an Asian-American excelling on court. Yet from each trial, Lin wrested power and purpose. When at last his moment arrived, he was more than ready.

In an era of renewed uncertainty for Asian-Americans, Lin manifests as an icon of barriers surmounted. As pioneering ballplayer, he extends a hand to the next generation, demonstrating through fearless example how self-belief and tenacity can lift one to heights long deemed impossible. Like Lin before them, minorities can soar if they shoot for the stars.

This inspirational treatment of Lin’s against-the-odds journey makes for a potent reminder that improbable dreams can be realized with determination and grit. Its uplifting message should resonate with any child who feels the odds stacked against them.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction picture book has lyrical writing and beautiful, vibrant illustrations, celebrating the accomplishments and legacy of Jeremy Lin. This will appeal to fans of Lin, and to children who are interested in basketball. The author directs this book to Asian American children, encouraging their racial self-esteem and sense of possibility throughout the book, but people of any race can enjoy this as well.

Although the text is pretty simple, the author shares a lot of information throughout the book, and I appreciate that he included Lin's devout Christian faith as part of this biography, instead of glossing over religion. I also enjoyed the additional note at the end, which shared even more details and included the author's personal story of connecting with Lin's basketball journey.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to share with a class, or a group - or to share with anyone who might doubt themselves. I recall how exciting Lin-Sanity was in 2012, and as author Richard Ho says in the Author’s Note - it would have been great to be a kid and a Knicks fan because he would have been an instant hero and inspiration to an average kid who might be thinking he isn't good enough to make a team -”If Lin can why can’t I?!” With short sentences and bright colorful illustrations it tells how a hard-working Asian-American kid from California worked hard and never gave up making his way through college and eventually the NBA - never getting much of a chance to play - until he got his chance with the Knicks. Even though it seems like a long time ago - it really wasn’t - Jeremy Lin certainly could shoot for the stars!

[Ashley Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was a slam dunk! "If Lin Can" is an uplifting biography that resonates with kids who've ever been told they can't achieve their dreams. Growing up in the Bay Area, Jeremy Lin faced adversity and prejudice, but he never gave up. This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book captures his incredible journey to becoming the first Taiwanese American in the NBA. Richard Ho's heartfelt storytelling encourages racial self-esteem and inspires children to believe in themselves. It's not just for Asian Americans; it's for all kids who need a dose of motivation. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!

[Elena L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ 4.5/5 stars ]

This is a biography of basketball superstar Jeremy Lin, the first Taiwanese American to play in the NBA. From being told that he wasn't good enough due to his size and race to becoming someone who persevered, Lin's challenges might resonated with many readers. With lovely art and minimal writing, the message of pursuing your dream is clear and encouraging. "If Lin can, why can't I?"
Motivational and exciting, this picture book is an epitome of Asian American pride that speaks to any child who feels underestimated or misunderstood. I found this book very impactful! (ps: Jeremy's full journey at the end of the book inspires anyone, basketball fan or not)

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Charlesbridge publishing . All opinions are my own ]

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utilizing the story of Jeremy Lin as an impressive example, this simple book brings real encouragement to those who have experienced the feelings brought on by others continually saying "you can't do that" to you.
The illustrations by Huỳnh Kim Liên and Phùng Nguyên Quang are clear, imaginative, colorful, and representative.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from the Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!
"Believe you can, and you're halfway there." Theodore Roosevelt
Available 16 Apr 2024 #Athletes #Asian and AAPI Stories #Activists #Encouragement

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book biography of Jeremy Lin that focuses on how his story of persevering, breaking stereotypes, and doing what others said someone like him couldn’t do can inspire young people to themselves persevere, break stereotypes, and do the seemingly impossible. There’s an extensive author’s note in the back of the book with more information on Lin, his career, and how he’s inspired others.

This book completely does what it sets out to do, provide an inspirational story that will help young people dream and shoot for the stars. Lin is such a great role model of perseverance and using his platform for good. I can see this being popular with our Elementary students.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this inspiring and uplifting book. It uses the story of Jeremy Lin to show young readers the power of perseverance, confidence, and hard work—even when others doubt them. The writing is simple but powerful, delivering a clear and motivating message on every page. It’s a great reminder that determination can lead to amazing things. I would absolutely recommend this to kids, parents, and educators looking for a meaningful and encouraging read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the opportunity to preview If Lin Can by Richard Ho. What an exquisitely written book that weaves multiple aspirations into the impact of positive representation. I never thought that a picture book filled with questions could be so poetic. This is an exemplary example of creating a biographical narrative of an icon without overuse of text or a formulaic sequence of events. Absolute perfection!

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can remember 'Linsanity' - lots of my AAPI friends were so happy to see Jeremy Lin (JL) finally get his chance to show what he could do. I can remember when I was growing up there was a bias as far as sports; because I was Hawaiian (and big) I can always remember being 'led' to football - basketball was really not an option. JL finally showed everyone that Asian Americans can play basketball at the highest level!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lin's success on the basketball court was a victory for so many other Asians as if it was their own. His story of all the times in which he was understimated, misunderstood, swept aside, and told he can't, resonated with so many other Asians-Americans. With determination, grit, and hard work, Lin rises up in the world of basketball sparking the Linsanity that swept the world.

The cover alone will be of interest to my basketball loving students.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

In simple written and powerfully illustrated pages, this book shows the hard work involved in Jeremy
Lin's dream to being a basketball star. This book is for every child that does not see themselves in successful adults and especially for our Asian American students who need this kind of spirit, drive, and success as they grow to follow their own dreams.

[Karlin Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have added this book to my TrueStory Bookshop and recommend it in three categories:
True Stories ~ Athletes
True Stories ~ Asian and AAPI Stories
True Stories ~ Activists
https://bookshop.org/shop/KarlinGray

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less a biography and more a story about Linsanity, this affirming picture book shows how Jeremy Lin overcame stereotypes and expectations to play in the NBA. Readers won't walk away knowing more about Jeremy Lin or basketball than when they started, but they will feel uplifted all the same.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly the kind of biography students need! More motivational & inspirational than hard facts, but kids will love this! The facts are in the author’s note at the end.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and thorough account of a competitor who persisted and proved his talent and hard work merited opportunities.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Starting by connecting to the fact that kids get told "no" frequently, Richard Ho lays the groundwork for underdog Jeremy Lin and his inspiring career.

[Lexi (Reads and Riesling) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What the author achieves with few words in If Lin Can, is truly amazing. It really gives everyone something to think about, but I really think it will be very inspiring to young kids from marginalized backgrounds. The illustrations were gorgeous and the story, as well as the short biography at the end of the book were really great. I would recommend for sure!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love If Lin Can How Jeremy Lin Inspired Asian Americans to Shoot for the Stars by Richard Ho! I didn't know much about Jeremy Lin before this book, but feel like it was a good introduction to his story. I'm inspired by Mr. Lin's life and am thankful that he is a Christian and nit ashamed of it. I think If Lin Can How Jeremy Lin Inspired Asian Americans to Shoot for the Stars by Richard Ho is a great read for any story time. I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book, My review is also on Goodreads.