Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert follows Danny Cheng, an artistic high school senior, as he navigates a challenging period marked by his father's job loss, a pending move, and the secrets of his family's past slowly unraveling. Struggling with his feelings for his best friend Harry and guilt over another friend's death by suicide, Danny uncovers hidden truths about his parents' undocumented status, a long-lost sister, and the complexities of family and identity.

Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert is widely praised for its emotional depth and complex characters. Reviewers commend its thoughtful exploration of immigration, identity, and family secrets, while some feel the pacing can be slow and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it's lauded for its poignant and resonant storytelling.

Readers who enjoy contemporary young adult fiction with complex family dynamics and emotional depth would appreciate Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert. Fans of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and We Are Okay by Nina LaCour will find this book engaging for its introspective narrative and exploration of identity.

Emotional / Contemplative / Mysterious / Melancholic / Bittersweet

Kelly Loy Gilbert

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Picture Us in the Light and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Picture Us in the Light Summary and Study Guide

Background

Picture Us in the Light Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 5

Picture Us in the Light Prologue-Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-12

Picture Us in the Light Chapters 6-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-20

Picture Us in the Light Chapters 13-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-28

Picture Us in the Light Chapters 21-28 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Picture Us in the Light Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Picture Us in the Light Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Picture Us in the Light Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Picture Us in the Light Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Picture Us in the Light Essay Topics

Picture Us in the Light

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Picture Us in the Light?

Reading Age

Book Details