The Year of the Book (Anna Wang #1)

by Andrea Cheng (Author) Abigail Halpin (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Anna Wang
This fully illustrated chapter book follows Anna, a young Asian-American girl, as she navigates relationships with family, friends, and her fourth-grade classroom, and finds a true best friend. Illustrations.
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Publishers Weekly

Anna Wang, the narrator of this tender novel, isn't having an easy time navigating fourth grade. Feeling left out when her friend Laura begins hanging out with another girl, Anna takes refuge in her beloved library books. She is proud of her Chinese-born mother, who is going to school to become a nurse, yet embarrassed by her mother's imperfect English and her part-time housecleaning job. Trying to balance her cultural identities, Anna is also conflicted about attending Chinese school and learning that language. Cheng (Only One Year) credibly portrays Anna's budding maturity, as she sets aside her resentment toward Laura and reaches out to her when her family hits a rough patch. Anna's warm rapport with her supportive teacher, a cheerful crossing guard, and a kind widower add emotional depth. Though Anna's musings can grow repetitious, the novel offers a well-rounded portrait of a sympathetic girl and her burgeoning sense of self. Halpin's (The Grand Plan to Fix Everything) tidy halftone pictures help flesh out Anna's world. Ages 6-9. Agent: Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown. Illustrator's agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management. (May)

Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6—There is nothing quiet and self-conscious Anna Wong would rather do than lose herself in a book. Cheng weaves a simple story of how the child's inner world, built around the pages of books, shifts outward to include her family, a kind crossing guard, a widower, and a beloved teacher. Most of all, Anna gradually learns to open her heart to the joys and challenges of friendship. The writing is gentle and engaging. Cheng gives readers glimpses into the heart of a girl without the allure of action or adventure. The story doesn't need them. Readers are led to discover the extraordinary within the ordinary, and to witness how kindness can draw trust and create confidence in a hesitant child. Dialogue is natural and uncontrived. Details of Chinese culture are interwoven throughout the story. Anna's mother works hard to acquire English-language skills, learn to drive, hold down a job, and give her children the opportunity to learn Chinese. Her struggles contrast with those of her American-born Chinese husband. Anna's friend's sad tale of family breakdown is also a part of the story, and children experiencing similar difficulties will relate to Laura's grief and fear. Anna creates hand-sewn lunch bags, and she and Laura make bags for all the people who are special to them. (Instructions are on the book jacket.) Readers will not find chills and thrills in this book, but they will discover the value of empathy and compassion, and the rewards of tolerance and friendship.—Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"A gentle, affectionate take on familiar middle-grade issues and the joys of reading."
—Kirkus

"Tender . . . Cheng credibly portrays Anna's budding maturity."
Publishers Weekly

"Cheng's telling is as straightforward yet sympathetic as her self-contained main character; and Halpin's often lighthearted pencil-and-wash sketches both decorate and enrich this perceptive novel."
Horn Book

"Readers are led to discover the extraordinary within the ordinary, and to witness how kindness can draw trust and create confidence in a hesitant child."
—School Library Journal

"This is a remarkably pithy and nuanced portrait of a fourth-grader and her world, and the streamlined simplicity of Cheng's writing and the brief page count make it accessible."
—Bulletin

"The Year of the Book was a pleasure to read and more. This is a novel to treasure and share with every middle-grade reader you know."
—New York Times Book
Andrea Cheng
Andrea Cheng writes picture books, and middle grade and young adult novels, and teaches ESL and children's literature. She walks daily near her Ohio home. www.andreacheng.com

Abigail Halpin is an illustrator and a graphic designer. Away from the drawing table, she knits, reads comic books, and plays the fiddle. She lives in New England. www.theodesign.com
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780544022638
Lexile Measure
590
Guided Reading Level
O
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
May 07, 2013
Series
Anna Wang
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV047000 - Juvenile Fiction | Books & Libraries
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV011020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Asian American
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
Schools
Best friends
Chinese Americans
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award
Nominee 2014 - 2014
Rhode Island Children's Book Awards
Nominee 2014 - 2014
Volunteer State Book Awards
Nominee 2014 - 2015
Bluebonnet Awards
Nominee 2015 - 2015
Grand Canyon Reader Award
Nominee 2015 - 2015

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