I'll Be the One by Lyla Lee

Skye Shin, a Korean American teen, has stunning talent as both a stylish dancer and a powerful singer. But because she’s not the same shape as the lean women on the runway, society has told her all her life that she shouldn’t call attention to herself. Even her own mother believes that our society has no place for fat girls to be stars. She has told Skye time and time again that she’s better off as a singer, she should try a new diet, she should exercise more, and many other passive-aggressive pieces of advice. Despite all the rules placed on her back, Skye auditions for a K-Pop reality show and disrupts the competition being the only plus-sized girl brave enough to compete. As she fights against the societal norms telling her she’s not enough while also competing in a K-Pop competition that has its own beauty standards, she uses her talent, hard work, and positivity, to continue to overcome. But will it be enough? 

Skye Shin has faced all that society has thrown at her, and now it’s her turn to celebrate her true self in author Lyla Lee’s charming rom-com about a plus-sized girl trying to make her way in the K-pop universe. 

This book is special because of the representation it delivers. As a Korean-American myself, I was excited to read a story about another Korean-American teen written by a female Korean-American author. Skye Shin, the main protagonist, is fat, an aspiring K-Pop Star, bisexual, and unapologetic about who she is. She is someone who has the audience rooting for her success and happiness from the very beginning. As a reader, you follow this book from Skye’s first person perspective, and it provides a fresh and new perspective into the K-Pop world. Although I’m not the biggest BTS or Blackpink stan, I still enjoyed this story because of the fun and quirky characters that stand alongside Skye and the journey that she goes on navigating her life. Overall, this novel is a light and modern read, that still contains depth and authenticity. 

For fans of young adult writers, like Julie Murphy (author of Dumplin’) and Jenny Han (author of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before), Lyla Lee’s debut novel is the perfect next read. I would recommend I’ll Be The One for ages 13-17, to inspire other young teens to stay true to themselves despite the rules placed on their backs by society.

Review written by Sydney, Grade 10