The Year of the Dog

 

Bibliography
Lin, Grace, 2006. THE YEAR OF THE DOG. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316060028.

Plot Summary
Pacy's family has just celebrated Chinese New Year and Pacy is excited to learn it is the Year of the Dog. According to Chinese cultures, dogs are faithful, man's best friend, and honest. Because it is the Year of the Dog, this year will bring friends, family, and a chance to find yourself. Pacy is excited by the prospect and begins searching right away for the luck the year is guaranteed to bring. 

Critical Analysis 
Grace Lin writes an autobiographical story based on her childhood and stories provided by her family. Growing up in a Taiwanese-American household, Grace (Pacy) learns to navigate life as one of the only Asian American students at her school, this including her two sisters. At home, they take part in their family's Chinese/Taiwanese cultures such as Chinese New Year, eat traditional dishes, tend to a garden filled with vegetables found in Chinese meals. As her family has just celebrated Chinese New Year, Grace is eager to begin the Year of the Dog, as it means family and friends will appear and she has the chance to find herself. Now to bring that luck to Grace's school life at an American school, merging both her family's culture and the school's American culture. Grace is challenged each day at school, as she overcomes the typical stereotypes Asian American students may face, such as the assumption these kids speak their home language, their real name translated to an English name, her looks being judged right away etc. However, her luck changes when Grace meets Melody, a new student who is also a Taiwanese-American girl. Suddenly, Grace feels less alone and ready to show everyone what an amazing personality she has and the talents she offers. Along with her family's support, anecdotal stories, and traditional Chinese beliefs, Grace overcomes the difficulties and finds herself within her passion for writing. The small drawings included provide readers with a sense of charm and individuality shown by Pacy. Asian American girls will appreciate Pacy's curious and determined perspective, trying manage youthful emotions and persevere through stereotypical assumptions.  However, young girls from any culture will be able to relate to Pacy's character, as they find their true identities with the never-ending support of family and friends. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- ALA Children's Notable Book, 2006
- Asian Pacific American Librarian Association Honor, 2006
- National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA) GOLD Winner
- 2007-2008 Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and spirit of books like those of Haywood 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."
Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: "The story, interwoven with several family anecdotes is entertaining and often illuminating. Appealing, childlike decorative line drawings add a delightful flavor to a gentle tale full of humor." 

Connections
- Readers interested in learning about Chinese/Taiwanese cultures will enjoy reading this story from a young girl's perspective. 
- Young Asian American girls will find Pacy's character to be relatable, as she navigates life and finding herself as one of the only Asian American students at her school.
- Similar book recommendations:
Lin, Grace, 2019. THE YEAR OF THE RAT. ISBN 9780316531344.
Lin, Grace, 2019. DUMPLING DAYS. ISBN 9780316531337.

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