The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

"They say the Year of the Dog is the year for friends and family.  But there's more to it than that.  The Year of the Dog is also for thinking.  Since dogs are honest and sincere, it's a good year to find yourself."

from The Year of the Dog, by Grace Lin

I have been so excited for Chinese New Year this year mostly because the Year of the Dog is my year.  I have checked out a ton of Chinese New Year books to share with the kids.  I am not always sure how to share their Chinese heritage with them, so I do it largely through reading, and Grace LIn is my go to author. 

Pacy celebrates Chinese New Year with her family.  She cleans, helps her mom cook, and keeps a tray of sweets stocked.  But she doesn't get to stay up to welcome the New Year because it is a school night.  At school she is called Grace and has only caucasian friends until another Taiwanese girl shows up and they become fast friends.  Pacy/Grace sets out to find herself and what she wants to be during the Year of the Dog and experiences both successes and setbacks.

This is a simple, fun, and easy book that I find appealing for a lot of reasons.  First, it is a young girl trying to find herself in a way that is relate-able to a large audience, not only Chinese-Americans.  Grace feels Chinese, Taiwanese, and American at different times and in different ways.  She has friends that are both Taiwanese and Caucasian.  She is also searching for her identity in her talents.  She tries acting and art and does her best to be creative and stand out, and she eventually finds herself.

Second, Grace Lin uniquely weaves family stories into her books.  Pacy's parents are constantly using humorous stories from their youth in Taiwan to help her and her sisters navigate the challenges of childhood in America.  I have read a lot by Grace LIn and I am now discovering that these stories are part of her signature style. 

Third, it's a story of a typical girl trying to navigate life.  Many parts of this story seemed to similar to things that happened to me as a child.  The episodes are simple and everyday yet very engaging.  She brings together the cultural elements very well.  Pacy bounces between red egg parties, school plays, Taiwanese conventions and American holiday celebrations.  The book is quick, fun, and really got me excited about celebrating Lunar New Year.