The Year of the Book

I just read a book I wished I had read a year ago: "The Year of the Book" by Andrea Cheng It's not a great story, but it's great because it is a year in the life of a modern, American Born Chinese girl. Here's why it's a powerful book to be familiar with as a fourth grade teacher. It's written at an......more

When a librarian sees a title of a book with the word “books” in it, it just has to be read. And I am so glad I did. This is a sweet story of friendship and how it is not always a smooth journey. Anna Wang is in fourth grade and in the past Laura has been her friend. But now Laura seems to spend mor......more

This was a sweet book I read with one of my 3rd grade students recently. We both really enjoyed Anna’s story and the characters in her world, with both Asian and American cultures blending together harmoniously. Anna’s approach to friendships and especially how she cares for others was particularly......more

A fourth grade ABC (American born Chinese according to the book) struggles with her relationship with her mother, her feelings of being different because she is Chinese, and the 'how-to' of making friends. The book leads us through Anna's story, and while not all is perfect, she does find some answ......more

Anna Wang doesn't fit in. She's embarrassed to be Chinese-American, the daughter of an immigrant mother who doesn't speak English well and cleans houses for a living. At least her dad is ABC (American Born Chinese). Anna doesn't fit in at Chinese school either. She doesn't really speak the language,......more