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46 pages 1 hour read

The Year of the Dog

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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Grace Lin

The Year of the Dog

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • 1970s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

690L

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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.

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

7,916 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

7,916 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • 1970s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

690L

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