The Year of the Book (An Anna Wang novel, 1)
#1 of 4 in Anna Wang Series
What’s inside...
A novel to treasure with every middle-grade reader you know (NYTBR), this first Anna Wang story shows how a young Asian-American girl navigates her way around friendship and learn to accept that our diversity is what makes us unique. In Chinese, peng you means friend. But in any language, all Anna knows for certain is that friendship is complicated. When Anna needs company, she turns to her books. Whether traveling through A Wrinkle in Time, or peering over My Side of the Mountain, books provide what real life cannot—constant companionship and insight into her changing world. Books, however, can't tell Anna how to find a true friend. She'll have to discover that on her own. In the tradition of classics like Maud Hart Lovelace's Betsy-Tacy books and Eleanor Estes' One Hundred Dresses, this novel subtly explores what it takes to make friends and what it means to be one.
Character compass
Anna Wang
Laura
Ms. Sylvester
Anna'S Father
Discussion points
What do you think Anna learned about friendship throughout the story?
How do Anna's hobbies and interests help her to solve problems or navigate challenges in the book?
In what ways do you relate to Anna or her friends? Are there any ways in which you feel different?
What do you think was the most difficult decision Anna had to make? How would you have handled it?
How do you think the book would have changed if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the book, focusing on themes like friendship, hobbies, or challenges to set the stage for a deeper conversation.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters' experiences can be related to their own life. Ask questions like 'Has something like this ever happened to you?'
Utilize pauses after questions to give your child time to think and express their thoughts fully.
Highlight the feelings and motivations behind characters’ actions to help your child develop empathy and understanding.
Conclude your discussion by asking your child how they might use the lessons from the book in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Anna Wang, the protagonist, learns to navigate her friendships amidst cultural differences and personal insecurities, ultimately understanding the true essence of friendship.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by embracing diversity, understanding differences, and forming genuine connections with their peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-acceptance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Anna struggles with her identity but gradually learns to accept and take pride in her Chinese heritage and her unique qualities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate their own background and characteristics, promoting a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Anna shows empathy by helping a friend who is facing challenges at home, learning to look beyond her own needs.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be attentive to the emotions and situations of others around them, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Anna faces academic and social challenges but persists with determination, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether in school or personal life, building resilience.