When she finally does find one, it comes from her mother's garden where she grows what Pacy refers to as the "ugly vegetables." Really, they are vegetables from her mother's homeland and, the book that Pacy writes (which wins her fourth place in a nationwide contest) is one that Grace Lin herself wrote and illustrated and titled, The Ugly Vegetables. And, when her class is given the assignment to write and illustrate a book, her teacher emphasizing that the students should write about what they know, Pacy finds herself without a single good idea.
She struggles with her role of munchkin in the school play, worrying that the audience will laugh when they see a Chinese munchkin.
Pacy is no longer the only Asian in her school and she has a partner for the science fair. Pacy meets her best friend in the Year of the Dog - Melody, who's family is also from Taiwan. As the narrator, Pacy's voice is true and bright and, while so much of the story is about her experience as a Chinese American (even this description proves complicated for Pacy, who's parents are from Taiwan) it is, above all else, a book about the universal themes of family, friendship and finding one's passion. Grace Lin's The Year of the Dog is just like the tray of New Year's candy that Pacy assembles - a combination of American and Chinese tastes, but, above all else, a mixture of sweet treats that everyone loves. Pacy's year has it's ups and a few small downs as she attempts to make the most of the Year of the Dog, which is a time for friends, family and thinking, a time for finding yourself and, as Mom explains to little Ki-Ki, "deciding what your values are, what you want to do-that kind of thing."
I think it's going to be a very sweet year!" And it is, mostly. When Ki-Ki begins to shovel the special candy into her mouth, leaving the tray less than full, Pacy has the idea to throw in some M&Ms, which she loves and considers "real candy." Older sister Lissy insists she can't put M&Ms on the tray, but her father weighs in saying, "We should have both Chinese and American candy for the new year. Special foods are prepared, happy phone calls are made from Taiwan, there Pacy's parents were born, and the New Year Tray is filled with special Chinese New Year candy. The book begins on the day that Pacy Lin and herMom, Dad, older sister Lissy and younger sister Ki-Ki are celebrating Chinese New Year. The Year of the Dog definitely feels like home, but it will also introduce young readers to new traditions, foods, words and customs.
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