A sequel to The Year of the Dog (Little, Brown, 2006), this warm and funny novel opens with a scene from Pacy’s family’s Chinese New Year celebration. “Happy Year of the Rat!” her father toasts. Since the rat is the first animal of the Chinese New Year calendar, the Year of the Rat symbolizes new beginnings. New beginnings also mean changes, Pacy soon realizes: her best friend Melody is moving away. As the year unfolds, Pacy learns how to live without Melody at her side, and in doing so discovers what kind of person and friend she wants to be. She also questions her desire to write and illustrate books when she grows up, uncertain if it’s a profitable career path. When Melody finally returns for a visit, she comments on how much taller Pacy seems. It’s clear the Pacy has grown in other ways too, especially in her acceptance of change. Grace Lin’s second novel follows a similar recipe as her first, but has an even richer and more lasting flavor. (Ages 8–11)

A fresh new look for this modern classic by the Newbery-Award winning and bestselling author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
In this sequel to Year of the Dog, Pacy has another big year in store for her. The Year of the Dog was a very lucky year: she met her best friend Melody and discovered her true talents. However, the Year of the Rat brings big changes: Pacy must deal with Melody moving to California, find the courage to forge on with her dream of becoming a writer and illustrator, and learn to face some of her own flaws. Pacy encounters prejudice, struggles with acceptance, and must find the beauty in change.

Based on the author's childhood adventures, Year of the Rat, features the whimsical black and white illustrations and the hilarious and touching anecdotes that helped Year of the Dog earn rave reviews and satisfied readers.