Why is it that elementary girls are facing Girl Meanness these days? It never struck for me until junior high. Sigh. But that was long, long ago, I suppose, and elementary girls need to see there are ways of facing down GM when it appears. The Year of the Book is perfect for that.And, I think, The Year of the Book is perfect for lots of other things. Its Chinese-American main character is a great role model for children caught between the world of native culture and the world of new culture. YB is perfect for children thinking about friendship, too, and that’s important. Mom-daughter relationships are yet another theme of this book, another theme that is handled well.Thumbs up for Year of the Book. 4+ This is about a 4th grader so possibly that age reader is target audience. But as someone famous said [C. S. Lewis maybe] much more eloquently - If a kid's book can't be enjoyed by an adult, it isn't a very good kid's book. I think this story is good, other interesting books are mentioned, craft ideas are woven into the action, along with Chinese words [spoken and written] and facts. And there was another bonus. To quote from the jacket. "Andrea [author] is an ardent believer in the power of books to show people they are not alone, and that relationships can be both complex and rewarding." If this makes the book seem too heavy - it isn't. I'm going to pitch this book to my grandkids tomorrow.I intend to look up other books by this author and to keep my copy of this book. [I was hoping to get it out my pile[s] of unread books and donate it to the library.]
What do You think about Year Of The Book (2012)?
Friendship is the heart of this story. Very good book for third and fourth grade students.
—christineaa
i don't know why they call this the year of the book when it has nothing to do with a book
—Bill
A wonderful book about differences and friendship. I highly recommend it.
—tammy
Cute story--reminds me of the "Just Grace" series a bit.
—Jenmc
I think this book shows many thing about the girl
—nettemarit
