Book Review of The Year of the Dog
The Children’s Book Review
The Year of the Dog
Written by Grace Lin
Ages 8+ | 160 Pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 978-0316060028
What to Expect: Friendship, Family, Growing Up, Cultural Identity, and Chinese New Year
Are you looking for a book to lift your spirits and take you on an unforgettable journey? Grace Lin’s The Year of the Dog is a must-read! You’ll fall in love with the charming story of Pacy and her family as they navigate cultural identity, new friendships, and the highs and lows of growing up. Friendship and family are the keys to unlocking the essence of this beautiful book that explores one year in the life of Pacy, the only Taiwanese-American girl at her school.
It’s the Chinese New Year of the Dog, and it’s the year Pacy is supposed to “find herself.” She and her family embark on a quest to discover and celebrate their cultural identity while navigating the struggles and challenges of modern-day adolescence. Along the way, Pacy forges an incredible friendship with Melody, highlighting how true bonds can shape one’s understanding of themselves and the world around them. The girls work together on a science fair project, enter a book contest, and discuss everything from Halloween costumes to boys. Pacy begins to blossom thanks to this new friendship and her parents’ support.
The Year of the Dog is a tale filled with heartwarming moments that captivate readers from start to finish. Through Pacy’s journey of self-discovery, readers will be inspired by themes of hope, unity, and the importance of being true to oneself. A book for everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from, it’s a moving and inspiring novel encouraging readers to embrace their unique identity while celebrating their cultural heritage. Grace Lin wrote The Year of the Dog because it was the book she wished she had had growing up. Readers who dive into this captivating narrative and discover the incredible power of embracing who you are will not be disappointed.
Be sure to read The Year of the Dog when you’re in the mood for something deliciously sweet. Don’t leave it on the shelf “like the last dumpling on a plate.”
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About the Author
Grace Lin is the award-winning and bestselling author and illustrator of Starry River of the Sky, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, The Year of the Dog, The Year of the Rat, Dumpling Days, and Ling & Ting, as well as pictures books such as The Ugly Vegetables and Caldecott Honor book A Big Mooncake for Little Star. Grace lives with her husband and daughter in Western MA, where they get plenty of winter snow.
Her website is www.gracelin.com.
What to Read Next if You Love The Year of the Dog
- The Year of the Rat, by Grace Lin
- Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin
- Starry River of the Sky, by Grace Lin
- Dumpling Days, by Grace Lin
- Once Upon a Book, by Grace Lin and Kate Messner
Bianca Schulze reviewed The Year of the Dog. Discover more books like The Year of the Dog by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Asian American Books, Chinese New Year, Family, Friendship, and Grace Lin.