Minli and her very poor parents live in a 'home' where the Fruitless Mountain and the Jade River meet. Her mother is always complaining about how poor they are and her father, Ba, tells stories in the evening to Minli to take her mind off the plight of the family. A goldfish peddler entices Minli to spend one of her two coins on a goldfish in a bowl of water. Minli decides to try to reach Old Man of the Moon who she thinks can change the status of her family. Read this story to enjoy how Minli, the flightless dragon, and a few others learn some very important lessons. The Chinese fairy tales that are included in almost every chapter enhance the Asian culture of the story but can apply to any culture.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee 2012

Awards won: Newbery Honor Book 2010

Reviewed by: cjones

Date read: 1/17/2011

ISBN-10: 0316114278

ISBN-13: 9780316114271

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Commenter: Valerie, grade 52

This first chapter book by picture book author Grace Lin is part fiction and part memoir. Second grade, Taiwanese-American, Pacy is excited to be celebrating the Chinese New Year holiday 'year of the dog' with her family. It is known to be a special year for family, friends and finding yourself and your abilities. During the year, she does make a new best friend, enter a science fair, play a Munckin in the Wizard of Oz and win fourth place in a national writing contest with her entry The Ugly Vegetables. The anecdotes related by her parents help Pacy, (known as Grace at school) connect with her Taiwanese heritage, give her insight into their lives as children in Taiwan and give her a solid basis for problem solving. The delightful line drawings add to the story's appeal. Follow the instructions on page 2 and you can learn to make a dog out of the number 5!

Awards nominated: Bluestem Nominee 2011

Reviewed by: ellen lundell

Date read: 4/26/2010

ISBN-10: 0316060003

ISBN-13: 9780316060004

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