The Year of the Dog - Grace Lin

 

The Year of the Dog - Grace Lin

Bibliography: 

Lin, G. (2018). The year of the dog: A novel. Little, Brown and Company.

Plot Summary: 

Frustrated at her seeming lack of talent for anything, a young Taiwanese American girl sets out to apply the lessons of the Chinese Year of the Dog, those of making best friends and finding oneself, to her own life.

Critical Analysis:

I thought this book was so cleverly written - you are enmeshed in their culture, learning about the things they eat, the holidays they celebrate, and their traditions - but the story is incredibly accessible. I especially loved the cartoon like drawings throughout, particularly those illustrating Taiwanese foods etc., because it made it easier for my students to visualize what we were reading about.

Probably my favorite aspect about the book was the "stories" told throughout the book to Grace by her parents. These tales always followed some sort of problem or issue the children were having, and the stories were of their ancestors (or parents) who dealt with a similar problem. These stories tied the children into their roots and their history, and made things feel manageable and even funny.

I can't think of one thing about this book that I didn't like. I highly recommend The Year of the Dog as an introduction to Taiwanese culture and as a fun, thoughtful read.

Review Excerpt: 

Booklist (starred review)

Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and spirit of books like those of Hayward 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.

Kirkus Review

This comfortable first-person story will be a treat for Asian-American girls looking to see themselves in their reading, but also for any reader who enjoys stories of friendship and family life.

Publisher's Weekly 

Lin creates an endearing protagonist, realistically dealing with universal emotions and situations. Girls everywhere, but especially those in the Asian-American community, will find much to embrace here.

The Horn Book

Entertaining and often illuminating.

Connections:

Asian Holidays and Traditions

Friendship - Theme

Back Story and Lessons to include with the novel