Book Review: If You Could See The Sun

By Ann Liang 

5 Stars 

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang has school drama, mystery, and a bit of magic. The story revolves around a girl named Alice Sun, a scholarship student at an elite Beijing boarding school, who suddenly begins to turn invisible. One thing I liked was how real Alice felt. Even though she literally turns invisible, her problems are very relatable. She's stressed about school, worried about money, and is constantly comparing herself to people who seem to have everything. I think a lot of teens can understand that feeling of not fitting in or trying to keep up. The author also does a really good job showing the pressure that comes with being in a competitive school. Sometimes it felt a bit intense as if you couldn't keep up, but that actually made the story feel more realistic. Another thing I enjoyed was the friendship dynamic between Alice and Henry. Their relationship has a funny, love-hate kind of vibe that makes their scenes entertaining without being cheesy or overdramatic. Their conversations felt snappy and made the book more exciting. I also liked how the book deals with moral choices. Alice has to decide what kind of person she wants to be, and the story really makes you think about what people will do when they feel desperate. Overall, I'd say this book is emotional, thoughtful, and easy to get into.  It makes you wonder what you would do if you suddenly had a power no one else knew about. I'd recommend this book to readers in grades 7–10 who enjoy school dramas, light fantasy, and character-driven stories.  If you like those types of stories, this book is for you!   

Reviewed by Alfina Fowziya

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