46 pages • 1 hour read
Grace LinThe Year of the Dog
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2005A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Written by Grace Lin in 2006, The Year of the Dog is a middle grade novel that follows Pacy as she searches for her place in the world. The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Pacy embraces her culture and navigates life in a community where not many of her classmates look like her. Written from the first-person perspective of Pacy and accompanied by the protagonist’s drawings, Lin’s novel explores the various challenges and rewards of a bicultural upbringing, along with the influence of community support and shared stories on Pacy’s developing identity. As Lin’s first children’s novel, The Year of the Dog was nominated to the TX Bluebonnet list.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Grace Lin's The Year of the Dog charms readers with its endearing storytelling and relatable cultural exploration. Its vibrant illustrations and heartfelt narrative make it a hit among young readers. However, some critics find it overly simplistic for older audiences. Overall, Lin's work is celebrated for its warmth and cultural richness.
Who Should Read The Year of the Dog?
Readers who enjoyed the heartfelt, cultural narratives of The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin will likely appreciate stories like Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary. They have a shared affinity for middle-grade fiction that combines family, friendship, and self-discovery.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
690L