The Year of the Dog

Lin, G. (2006). The year of the dog. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

ISBN: 978-0316060004

Plot Summary:

A breezy novel for middle grade readers is about Grace, whose life is an exuberant blend of home and school, family and friends, and Chinese and American traditions. On Chinese New Year, Grace learns that the upcoming Year of the Dog is supposed to be a good time to find out what you want to do with your life, and she’s eager to figure it out. 

-Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Analysis:

Pacy is a young Taiwanese American girl who spends the Chinese Year of the Dog on a quest to discover who she wants to be. Throughout the book she describes her experience as one of two Asian American students in her school. At school, Pacy goes by her American name, Grace. Her family does their best to honor their Taiwanese heritage while incorporating new American customs. The book opens and closes as the family celebrates Chinese New Year. They celebrate American holidays with their own Taiwanese interpretation which can be humorous at times. Pacy is part of two worlds, and sometimes she feels too Taiwanese to fit in with her friends at school, but too Americanized to fit in with other Asian Americans she meets. To help Pacy navigate this confusing world, her parents tell her stories from their past. These stories are highlighted throughout the book. Pacy likes to draw and the illustrations in the book are like sketches she would have made in her journal. They add something special to the book that makes the story more relatable. In the end, Pacy discovers her talent as an author and illustrator. She decides she wants to create books that represent her unique perspective and background. This was a sweet story about growing up that has you rooting for our girl as she tackles life lessons along the way.

Book Reviews:

 "Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and spirit of books like those of Hayward or Maud Hart Lovelace, reimagining them through the lens of her own story, and transforming their special qualities into something new for today's young readers."

―Booklist, starred review

"Lin creates an endearing protagonist, realistically dealing with universal emotions and situations. Girls everywhere, but especially those in the Asian-American community, will find much to embrace here."

―Publishers Weekly

Connections:

This is a good story about not giving up. It shows how someone can keep trying new things and learn who they are along the way.

Awards:

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, 2007

ALSC Notable Children's Books, 2007

CCBC Choices, 2007

*This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5361.