Sometimes it's just a girl thing. These are books that I feel girls will be drawn to. If you have a boy who likes a good story and is open to the inner workings of a girl's brain, then by all means give them these books. My classifications are purely meant to help you find a good fit with your reader and a story, and not meant to imply that only girls can read these books.
So this week I have selected stories that have entertaining female protagonists who are managing the issues that girls deal with on a daily basis. My favorite find this week is the series by Grace Lin, author of the Newbery Honor book, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. This series is much less serious than her Newbery fare, but incredibly clever and insightful. I would very much encourage your child to give it a try.
Title: Dumpling Days
Author: Grace Lin
Target: Grades 4-6
Series: Yes
What this book is about:
This is the third book in a series about Pacy Lin, a Taiwanese-American girl. Despite being the third book, it is a stand-alone story and you do not need to have read the other two. Pacy and her family are traveling to Taiwan to celebrate her grandmother's 60th birthday, and they are spending a month there in order to lean about their culture. However, Pacy and her sisters find that while it is nice to look like everyone else, it is difficult not being able to understand the language or the customs. Pacy takes an art class, eats chicken feet (by accident) and finds that she can learn to love what is new and different.
Why I love this book:
First off, Pacy is such a real character that she felt absolutely authentic from the start. More than a story, it actually felt like an account of the author’s life (which in parts it is.) It was an absolute treat learning about Taiwan, and I felt at the end of the book that not only did I want to visit, but I absolutely knew more about the culture and customs of the Taiwanese.
This book is just delightful, and while I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I am not Asian, I suspect that if you are Asian-American, it will carry even more significance. I also loved the small illustrations which are smattered throughout the book. They are fun visual treat during the story.
Who this book is for:
It feels like it will be a better book for girls, especially ones who love reading about family. Girls who like the Laura Ingalls Wilder books should be drawn into this more modern version of family life.
Final thoughts:
Loved the first chapter where the mom dresses all the sisters in hot pink pinafore jumpers so she can find them when they travel, only to see a photo of the author and her sisters in those jumpers on the back flap!
To see my full selection for girls, visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com
