07/13/2020
Korean American high school student Shin Haneul, aka Skye Shin, 16, is a passionate vocalist and dancer whose size-16 body makes her a prime target within the K-pop industry she’s trying to enter. Used to harsh criticism from her appearance-obsessed immigrant mother, hardworking, confident Skye is determined to overcome biases when she lands coveted spots in both the voice and dance portions of L.A.-based show You’re My Shining Star, “the first major K-pop competition set exclusively outside of Korea.” Friendship—and possibly more—with fellow competitors, such as vocalist Lana Min and her dancer girlfriend Tiffany Lee, and Henry Cho, 17, a bi celebrity triple threat from an esteemed Korean family, augment bisexual Skye’s experience, even as a fatphobic judge and culture, overwhelming online attention, and Skye’s strained relationship with her mother cause mounting pressure. While not plus-size herself, Lee (the Mindy Kim series) believably portrays Skye’s struggles, as well as her affirmations and triumphs. Though characters tend toward underdeveloped and the plot leaves little room for surprise, this YA debut is an uplifting read for K-pop stans and readers interested in body privilege within the entertainment sectors. Ages 13–up. Agent: Penny Moore, Aevitas Creative Management. (June)
Lee's debut whips up intense Dumplin' vibes with a main character you want to reach into the pages for and honestly just hug for hours…[The] story is strong, punctuated by moments of cheering triumph as Skye dismantles her emotional trauma. Readers looking for positive role models will gravitate to Skye's story, which will resonate with girls of every size.
I’ll Be the One delivers on all dimensions: a swoony ship, body positivity, a complex mother-daughter relationship, and a realistic, relatable protagonist readers will root for!”
"Charming, romantic, and empowering. A remarkable gem of a novel that celebrates following your dreams and staying true to yourself."
An absolute delight. Full of messages about self-love and following your dreams, I’ll Be the One is equal parts adorable and inspiring. Lyla Lee has crafted such a refreshing main character with Skye, whose charming confidence made me root for her from the very first page.”
"The real secret to loving yourself is simple: confidently believing in and standing up for yourself like Skye does in this book!"
★ 05/01/2020
Gr 7–10—Skye Shin is plus-sized, bodyp-ositive, and mega-talented despite the negativity her mother continually batters her with. Skye sings and dances in her audition for a spot on "You're My Shining Star," hoping to become a breakout K-pop star. When she gets in for both talents, the real challenges begin: to win and tackle prejudice because of her size and her budding relationship with celebrity Henry Cho, who is also on the show. Skye needs to navigate vitriolic social media, her mother, and her friendships while remaining true to her talents and challenging the body norms of Korean women. This rom-com is everything it needs to be: predictable, filled with a sweet new romance, and starring a heroine to root for. The blend of contemporary cultural references and social media amplify Skye's generational conflict with her mother. The dynamic is entertaining and comfortable, but balanced with the seriousness of her ambition to succeed authentically as a bisexual Korean girl who isn't thin. In her dialogue-rich and character-driven novel, Lee finds a spot alongside Jenny Han and Stacey Lee in representing the diversity of Asian American experiences. Teens will feel seen in Skye's growing confidence as she faces multifaceted aspects of discrimination. VERDICT With the groundwork laid for a sequel and a joyful protagonist who speaks to Generation Z, this pleasantly contemporary title will fly off the shelves.—Alicia Abdul, Albany High School, NY
★ 2020-04-05
A plus-sized Korean American teen enters a K-pop competition in both the singing and dance categories.
It was a long time coming, but at 16, Skye Shin is finally comfortable with her size-16 body. But that doesn’t mean she’s immune from the microaggressions she encounters everywhere she goes. Skye does a great job describing not just what it feels like to be on the receiving end of hurtful bias, but also how her experiences have shaped her, given her strength, and taught her to love herself. When a K-pop competition show comes to Los Angeles, nothing will stop Skye from competing, not even her own immigrant mother, whose body-shaming comments border on abusive. The judges, however, are a different story. She’s going to have to work harder than she ever has before to prove that talent can outshine prejudice. In the process, Skye’s strength and talent make her an inspiration to K-pop–loving teens everywhere—including those in real life. Lee’s YA debut slathers on all the juicy drama, high emotion, and kick-ass performances you’d expect from a K-pop talent competition but also has quieter moments where true friendships and a swoony romance develop. While most of the cast, including the hunky love interest, is Korean or Korean American, there are competitors of other races. Skye and the boy she likes are bisexual, and there are queer secondary characters.
A fresh perspective on body image and K-pop? Jjang! (Fiction. 13-18)
"Skye’s strength and talent make her an inspiration to K-pop–loving teens everywhere—including those in real life. Lee’s YA debut slathers on all the juicy drama, high emotion, and kick-ass performances you’d expect from a K-pop talent competition but also has quieter moments where true friendships and a swoony romance develop... A fresh perspective on body image and K-pop? Jjang!" — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“This rom-com is everything it needs to be…filled with a sweet new romance and starring a heroine to root for. Lee finds a spot alongside Jenny Han and Stacey Lee in representing the diversity of Asian American experiences. A joyful protagonist who speaks to Generation Z.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Lee's debut whips up intense Dumplin' vibes with a main character you want to reach into the pages for and honestly just hug for hours…[The] story is strong, punctuated by moments of cheering triumph as Skye dismantles her emotional trauma. Readers looking for positive role models will gravitate to Skye's story, which will resonate with girls of every size.” — ALA Booklist
"Charming, romantic, and empowering. A remarkable gem of a novel that celebrates following your dreams and staying true to yourself." — Robyn Schneider, author of The Beginning of Everything and Extraordinary Means
“An absolute delight. Full of messages about self-love and following your dreams, I’ll Be the One is equal parts adorable and inspiring. Lyla Lee has crafted such a refreshing main character with Skye, whose charming confidence made me root for her from the very first page.” — Akemi Dawn Bowman, author of Morris Award Finalist Starfish
“I’ll Be the One delivers on all dimensions: a swoony ship, body positivity, a complex mother-daughter relationship, and a realistic, relatable protagonist readers will root for!” — Gloria Chao, author of American Panda and Our Wayward Fate
"The real secret to loving yourself is simple: confidently believing in and standing up for yourself like Skye does in this book!" — Ailee, singer-songwriter
