The Year of the Rat

March 1, 2008
Gr 3-5-This compact sequel to "The Year of the Dog" (Little, Brown, 2006) charts an eventful year, based on the author's own childhood. As the story opens, Pacy (who uses an American name, Grace, at school) is celebrating Chinese New Year with her family and friends. Their gatherings always center on food and the delightful stories her parents tell of their lives in Taiwan and of coming to America. As Pacy's dad relates the story of the rat and the Chinese zodiac, her mother notes that the Year of the Rat is a time for making changes. Change quickly becomes the hallmark of the protagonist's year: her best friend moves to California, and Pacy must adjust to a new teacher and new relationships. When a boy from China arrives at her school, her classmates tease him for being different. Pacy watches guiltily until she finds the courage to speak up for him. Lin's handling of the situation as related through a child's perspective is graceful and sensitive. Young readers will find this episodic, character-driven short novel appealing and relate to its authentically childlike Pacy, whose family's Thanksgiving feast includes both "huo guo" (Chinese hot pot) dishes and a small turkey. Lin's plentiful detailed line drawings add to the story's appeal. This heartwarming sequel will leave readers hoping for more about this engaging heroine and her family."Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2007
Readers first encounterd Grace, the daughter of Taiwanese parents, in The New Year of the Dog (2006), in which she met a new friend, Meoldy, and found her life's purpose as a writer. Now, its the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat, a year with the reputation for changes. Sure enough, Melody, Grace's almost twin, moves to California, leaving Grace to try and make new friends and learn how to be true to herself and her writing. In a moving subplot, Grace comes face to face with her own prejudice: an Asian boy joins her class, and Grace wants no part of him. As in the previous offering Grace's parent's stories about their own chidhoods, and enlivened by charming ink drawings, which range from the illustrations of people that inhabit Grace's world to simple items, such as birthday cakes and holiday food. An endearing story that will touch readers.

May 1, 2008
The Year of the Rat, the first in the twelve-year Chinese cycle, signifies new beginnings. However, Pacy finds it difficult to face the major change in her life: her best friend, Melody, the only other Asian student in her school, is moving away. Pacy is left with friends who do not understand her. When classmate Charlotte claims that Pacy can only be a "cute couple" with new Chinese student Dun-Wei ("Dumb-Way") and that she simply does not "fit anyone else," Pacy has to wonder, "Would nobody else ever like me because I was Chinese?" Pacy also starts doubting one of her resolutions for the year: working toward becoming a writer/illustrator. Even her father warns against such a "cold door" (i.e., financially risky) career. Lin deftly handles Pacy's dilemmas and internal struggles with sensitivity and tenderness, keeping a hopeful and childlike tone that will inspire empathy. As in the first story about Pacy, The Year of the Dog (rev. 3/06), readers will find engaging cultural and family anecdotes. Appealing line drawings appear throughout the book.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2008
The Year of the Rat brings major change for Pacy (The Year of the Dog), as her best friend moves away. Pacy also starts doubting her resolution to become a writer/illustrator. Lin deftly handles Pacy's dilemmas and internal struggles with sensitivity and tenderness, keeping a hopeful and childlike tone that will inspire empathy. Appealing line drawings appear throughout.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)