Summary
The Year of the Rat is the beginning of the Chinese calendar and is known for bringing changes. Last year, in the Year of the Dog, Pacy met her best friend and found her true talent. This year, however, Pacy must face the fact that her life is changing. Melody is moving across the country! What is she to do?
Analysis
First, the illustrations included cultural markers by showing many different things. For example, Pacy's family is well-represented. In addition to people, Taiwanese foods, such as steamed buns, moon cakes, and long-life noodles are featured throughout the book. Lin even includes illustrations about clothing typical in a Taiwanese family like tiger shoes and the dress she had to wear that had dragons on it. A picture of the Kitchen God is also included.
Within the text, the reader can see many cultural markers as well. For example, Lin often includes other family members' stories within the text that tell of Chinese/Taiwanese markers. The story of how the years came to be names was incredibly interesting. In addition to traditional stories, Lin includes stories of inclusion and exclusion that her parents felt coming to America.
Finally, while these may not necessarily be cultural markers, Lin shares prejudice that Pacy encounters. One example of this is Pacy's friends assuming that Pacy would have to marry Dun-Wei because he's the only other Asian in the school. Also, so many students call Dun-Wei "Dumb-Way." Pacy's friends even suggest that she do karate for the talent show. She's never studied karate! They just assume.
This is a great read for students of all ages. Not only is this a good story, it shows perseverance, love, courage, and how to stand up for yourself, your beliefs, and what you're good at.
Review Excerpts
School Library Journal- This heartwarming sequel will leave readers hoping for more about this engaging heroine and her family.
Kirkus Review - Readers of this gentle, appealing sequel will appreciate the way the engaging protagonist discovers she can survive the changes a new year brings.
Booklist - An endearing story that will touch readers.
Connections
Read more fiction about Chinese/Taiwanese Americans:
Chen, Pauline. Peiling and the chicken-fried Christmas. 978-1-59990-122-0
Lin, Grace. The Year of the Dog. 978-0-316-06002-8
Hoobler, Dorothy. The Chinese American family album. 978-0-19-512421-7
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