I picked up this book from the library because I noticed the author's Chinese last name and also the Asian-American girl in the cover illustration. I'm always on the lookout for more diverse children's books, especially books by and about Asian-Americans, since I am Asian-American myself. As it turns out, the author is not Chinese! But presumably her husband is.
Despite not being Chinese herself, I think the author did a fine job portraying the realities of growing up Chinese in America. She makes casual mention of Chinese dishes and snacks, and even includes Chinese school - a typical part of the Chinese-American experience - as part of main character Anna Wang's struggles.
Though Anna Wang does need to come to terms with her Chinese-ness, I think the real focus of the story is Anna's struggle to make friends while 1) being an introvert (she would rather read or stay home and make airplanes with her brother and father than put effort into becoming better friends with Laura) and 2) negotiating the mean girl dynamics at school. Young readers who prefer the solitude of books, or who have felt the sting of being left out, will be able to relate to Anna Wang.
I'm not entirely sure, though, that Anna Wang is a likable character. The book kind of starts off with a bit of a melancholy tone, with Anna feeling down about not really fitting in anywhere. Her narrative voice is very matter-of-fact, not especially emotional, and she comes across as stand-offish. Interestingly, Anna seems more comfortable befriending adults like Mr. Shepherd and Ray than kids her own age. (It's lucky she has such kind and thoughtful adults in her life!) She's not even afraid to address a note to the school principal. Her ability to interact so confidently with adults makes her seem more mature, and "above the fray" that Laura gets caught up in - and I do like that about her. I also like that she spends her non-reading time doing arts and crafts and sewing for fun. She is both creative and productive!
I think this book also can reach a certain audience through Laura, Anna's friend who has troubles at home. I've read a lot of children's books, and it seems pretty rare for one to feature a character whose parents don't actually get along. Seems to me that some young readers might appreciate being able to relate to Laura, and it's only too bad that her character, and her family, are not fleshed out more.
Also, Laura's problems were clearly a catalyst in strengthening Anna and Laura's friendship. It almost seemed like it was too easy for Anna. She doesn't put much effort into making friends with Laura, but she doesn't have to, really, because Laura is thrown into her life, and Anna is forced to spend time with her.
Two final thoughts, one good, one bad.
The good: I always like it when a children's book can motivate readers to pick up other books, and this book mentions by name a whole bunch of books that Anna spends her time reading.
The bad: There is an egregious editing error towards the end of the book. On page 136 in my edition, twice 1998 is referred to as the Year of the Dog, but it's not. It's the Year of the Tiger. On the same page, and in an illustration on the next page, the book actually correctly refers to 1998 as the Year of the Tiger, which only adds confusion.
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