Dumpling Days by Grace Lin

Dumpling Days

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lin, Grace. 2012. Dumpling Days. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 978-0316125895

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This is the third Book in the series about a young, Taiwanese-American girl named Pacy Lin.  Pacy, her two younger sisters, and her parents head off to Taiwan for an entire month to celebrate her grandmother's 60^th birthday.  Pacy is not looking forward to the trip and has no interest in wasting her summer in Taiwan.  Upon her arrival struggles with her obvious differences and lack of language skills.  Not only does she not fit in at home in the United States, but she doesn't fit in Taiwan either.  Pacy spends the summer discovering who she is and opening her mind to her cultural identity.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Like the two previous books in this series, author Grace Lin focuses on the age appropriate experiences faced by Pacy that are unique to her American-Asian background. Newberry Honor novelist Lin uses her personal family dynamics and cultural background to authentically depict Pacy’s struggles with her Taiwanese-American identity.

The setting is expertly portrayed, and the reader can fully envision the various locations in the book. When Pacy notes that the city of Taichung feels "different from Grandma’s," her father replies, "Yes, it’ll be more….real Taiwan." This brief exchange encourages the reader to reflect upon the differences that can occur even within the boundaries of one country.  Pacy’s discomfort with her new surroundings is evident, and the reader will empathize with the changes she is experiencing. 

The title, Dumpling Days, manifests a very clear pattern that occurs throughout the book.  Pacy’s infatuation for the traditional Taiwanese dumpling establishes a continuing pattern of comfort that results from her immersion in the Taiwan culture. The dumpling represents the culture of Taiwan and invites the more savvy reader to reflect upon Pacy’s place in the Eastern country and her increasing comfort level in the various customs and traditions.

While the book does focus heavily on Pacy’s cultural experiences in Taiwan, the storyline is not limited to cultivating cultural diversity.  The average late elementary school to early middle school reader will enjoy this Pacy Lin book, not because the book is considered multicultural, but because it is a good story with an appealing storyline and engaging characters.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

• Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) - Choices 2013

Starred Review from Library Media Connection: "Read this aloud when studying China and Taiwan, when studying the many cultural heritages of America, or just for fun."

Review from Booklist:  "Thoughtful and sometimes amusing, this episodic journey narrative captures Pacy’s emotions and reflections...both traditional tales and memorable accounts of family members dealing with superstition, political oppression, and loss. While this engaging book broadens the series in a meaningful way, it also works well as a stand-alone title."

Review from Kirkus: "This third outing is as warmhearted as the first two. Deftly weaving together historical anecdotes and simple line illustrations, Lin once again touches the heart of growing up in a multicultural family."

Review from School Library Journal: "Humorous and thoughtful, with serious issues approached with a light touch...Readers new to the series will enjoy meeting Pacy, and fans will be satisfied as well."

Review from Sweet on Books, ABC7 News Learning Section: “Although Pacy's background and experiences are somewhat unique, readers will relate to her concerns over her identity and her feelings about family and school. Readers may also come away with a better understanding of what it is like for someone who feels or looks different from everyone else."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Other books in the Pacy Lin Series, by Grace Lin:
The Year of the Dog. ISBN 978-0316060028
The Year of the Rat. ISBN 978-0316033619

*Other chapter books with young, Asian American characters:
Lin, Grace. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. ISBN 978-0316038638
Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese.  ISBN 978-0312384487
Kadohata, Julia.  The Thing About Luck.  ISBN  978-1416918820

*Grace Lin's Website

http://www.gracelin.com

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

The Name Jar

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Choi, Yangsook. 2001. The Name Jar. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 978-0375906138

2.  PLOT SUMMARY
Unhei moves to America from Korea and is uncertain that the other children will be able to pronounce her name.  When she arrives to class, she explains that she will be able to choose her own, new name when the time is right.  Her young classmates create a name jar and fill it with potential names.  As Unhei becomes more acclimated to her new home, she begins to consider the special meaning of her Korean name.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Internationally acclaimed author Yangsook Choi applies her personal experiences from growing up in Korea to the story in this charming picture book.  The vibrant oil paintings engage young preschoolers and Choi’s exceptional ability to paint children of many different cultures is evident throughout the book.

Even the youngest reader can empathize with Unhei’s uneasiness in her new surroundings. While it is clear that the story takes place in the United States, significant additions such as the Korean neighborhood market indicate a setting unique to Unhei and her personal experiences.

References to Unhei’s name stamp augment the more traditional elements of the story. When Unhei fills a piece of paper with her name stamp signature, she is reminded of her home country and the family she left behind.  Her new friend, Joey, is delighted with her beautiful Korean signature and this prompts Unhei to gradually acknowledge the importance of her heritage.

When Unhei ultimately chooses a name, the response from her fellow students depicts a overwhelming acceptance of cultural diversity. Even the youngest readers will grasp the significance of Unhei’s decision and many will rejoice that she made a befitting choice. Overall, The Name Jar is a delightful story for preschoolers and young elementary students.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

• California Young Reader Medal - Nominated 2004

• Flicker Tale Children's Book Award - Nominated 2004

• Grand Canyon Reader Award - Nominated 2005

• Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award - Nominated 2004

• Emphasis on Reading Award - Nominated 2003

• Beehive Children's Book Award - Nominated 2003

Review from Booklist:  “The paintings are mostly in gold and earth tones, and the figures have both stature and simplicity--as does the story.”

Review from Kirkus: “Choi...draws from her own experience, interweaving several issues into this touching account and delicately addressing the challenges of assimilation. The paintings are done in creamy, earth-tone oils and augment the story nicely”

Review from School Library Journal: “The bright, bold paintings that illustrate the story are realistic, warm, and appealing.  Unfortunately, the text sags under the weight of its mission to describe how it might feel to immigrate.  A well-meaning and visually attractive effort, but uninspired."

Review from the New York Times: “...Unhei's reflection and inner strength are noteworthy; cultural details freshen the story, and Choi's gleaming, expressive paintings are always a treasure.”

CONNECTIONS

*Other books by Yangsook Choi:
Peach Heaven. ISBN 978-0374357610

Behind the Mask. ISBN 978-0374305222
New Cat. ISBN 978-0374355128

*Other picture books that include Asian American children:

Joung Un Kim, Soyung.  Sumi's First Day of School Ever. ISBN 978-0670035229
Bae, Hyun-joo. New Clothes for New Years Day.  ISBN 978-1933605296

Recorvits, Helen.  My Name is Yoon.  ISBN  978-0374351144

*Yangsook Choi's Website

http://www.yangsookchoi.com

Tea with Milk by Allen Say

Tea with Milk

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Say, Allen. 1999. Tea with Milk. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 978-0395904954

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Raised near San Francisco, May has fully embraced being a young American girl.  However, after she graduates from high school, her parents decide to return Japan, their homeland.  Upon arriving in Japan, May must now be called Masako, learn speak Japanese, write calligraphy, and sit still for long periods of time.  She misses America and ventures to Osaka, a large city in Japan.  Masako decides to say in Osaka and gets a job in a large department store giving tours to English speaking businessmen.  It is here that she begins to appreciate some of the Japanese traditions and meets a young man who also struggles with some of the cultural and language differences in the East. 

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Allen Say is a well-renowned children’s book author and illustrator. He is especially admired for his breathtaking watercolor illustrations in his books.  This book is no different, and the illustrations contribute to the story’s overall experience.  One of the more interesting elements of the illustrations is the use of color in the paintings.  Say chooses to use milder, blander colors on the pages that discuss May’s discontent.  The pages that address her satisfaction and overall happiness with her life contain a more vivid color palette.

When May shares her displeasure with the relocation back to Japan, her complaints are no longer being able to drive a car, or work.  This clear distinction between cultures is one of the elements that demonstrates the setting and timeframe of the story.  In addition, the Western manner of dress is clearly intended to indicate an early to mid-20^th century time period.  Throughout the book, Say deftly establishes the setting through his gentle use of watercolor paintings.

It is important to note that this book honors Say’s parents and their journey in balancing their Western ideas with the traditional ideals of their homeland. The story is mostly a coming of age story for May, followed closely by May and Joseph’s romance. Both storylines reflect the internal struggle of finding peace with cultural values and beliefs.   May’s interactions with her Japanese contemporaries expose her desire to maintain her American and Western traits.

Overall, this book demonstrates the culturally distinct experiences that occur in different countries, even when the characters stay the same.  May’s struggle with finding herself and balancing the Western and Eastern elements of her identity create an enchanting story for readers who are ages preschool and older.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

• Publisher Weekly Best Book of the Year - Won 1999
• School Library Journal Best Book of the Year - Won 1999
• ALA Notable Books for Children - Won 2000

Starred Review from Publishers Weekly: "Say's masterfully executed watercolors tell as much of this story about a young woman's challenging transition from America to Japan as his eloquent, economical prose...Through choice words and scrupulously choreographed paintings, Say's story communicates both the heart's yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms."

Review from School Library Journal: "The pages are filled with detailed drawings featuring Japanese architecture and clothing, and because of the artist's mastery at drawing figures, the people come to life as authentic and sympathetic characters. This is a thoughtful and poignant book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly our nation's many immigrants who grapple with some of the same challenges as May and Joseph, including feeling at home in a place that is not their own."

Review from the Kirkus: "Painted with characteristic control and restraint, Say’s illustrations, largely portraits, begin with a sepia view of a sullen child in a kimono, gradually take on distinct, subdued color..."

Review from the New York Times: "...a spirited but very proper love story...the pictures in ''Tea With Milk'' are surprisingly wan and for the most part dull. They are not stylistically different, but they lack warmth...a gifted storyteller...The restrained narrative is carried along on an undercurrent of alienation, determination and romance."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Other books by Allen Say:
Grandfather's Journey. ISBN 978-0547076805
Kamishibai Man. ISBN 978-0618479542
The Boy in the Garden. ISBN 978-0547214108

*Other picture books with a traditional focus:

Bang, Molly.  The Paper Crane. ISBN 978-0688073336
Thong, Roseanne. Fly Free!.  ISBN 978-1590785508

Sheth, Kashmira.  Monsoon Afternoon.  ISBN  978-1561454556

*Allen Say's Official Publisher's Website

http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/authors/allensay/