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 60th 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.
- 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
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