![]() In The Year of the Rat by Grace Lin, Lin tells the story of Pacy who is an elementary aged girl who is trying to figure out where she fits. In Chapter 3, page 16, I was struck by Pacy’s thoughts, “…It was so hard to explain these things. Sometimes, I felt like I was more than one person. At home, everyone called me Pacy, my Chinese name; and at school, everyone called me Grace, my American name.” She goes on to explain that some people consider her to actually be Taiwanese because her parents are from Taiwan, and she was not sure which person she is supposed to be. As someone who has never encountered these feelings myself, it gave me a window into what many of my ESL students and immigrants to other countries must feel often. They feel as if they are straddling two worlds and two cultures and are not quite sure who to be when. I think this would be exceptionally difficult for a young person who is growing up and dealing with all of the hormones and feelings adolescent brings with it. I am certain many of my students will see their personal struggles mirrored in Pacy’s struggle to find herself and will be able to relate to her. Not only has Lin authentically represented the turmoil a young immigrant may feel, she also has included many facets of Chinese culture throughout the short novel. The book is full if Chinese culture, traditions, and legends. The reader learns about the Chinese Zodiac and why the rat is the first animal represented, as well as, traditional food items and what is served a different celebrations. Through Pacy’s parent’s stories, the reader is also given some “first person” accounting of how difficult it is to be “fresh off the boat”. The book includes Lin’s fun black and white illustrations to add more character and whimsy to the story as well. I would definitely share this book and series with my students as it offers a peek into the Chinese culture for those who are unfamiliar and it will lend some insight and comfort to students who are from a culture that is not in the majority. Approximate Reading Level: 3rd-6th grades
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