Home > Teachers > Read Aloud Favorites > The Year Of The Dog

The Year Of The Dog

It is the Year of the Dog, and Pacy is a Chinese-American girl living with her family in upstate New York. When Pacy’s sister moves to middle school next year, Pacy will be the only Chinese girl in the entire school. That is until one day, a new girl arrives at the school. Her name is Melody and just like Pacy, Melody is from Taiwan. They soon become friends, and this book is the story of their first year of friendship.

This book is full of cultural references of Chinese celebrations, traditions, and phrases. The author describes her book as one that she wishes she had when she was growing up. It’s not hard to see why. On a very basic level, Pacy and her family are holding on to the Chinese culture and tradition while adapting to the American culture and traditions. The Year of the Dog is a delightful book about Chinese culture and traditions, as well as friendship and finding one’s strength.

The Year of the Rat is the sequel to The Year of the Dog.

Grade Level: 2-3

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Format: Chapter Book

Content:

Family Relationships
Growing Up
Music & Art