New Year is a story about a boy struggles with fitting in after immigrating to the United States. When his teacher assigns the class an art project, he draws his memories of celebrating Chinese New Year in Hong Kong. His work inspires a class project that allows him to share his heritage with his new classmates. It also pulls in another Chinese student, who had initially been embarrassed to translate for him.
SLJ Reviews – January, 2017
LO, Rich. New Year. illus. by Rich Lo. 40p. Sky Pony. Nov. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781510707238. PreS-Gr 2–An unnamed boy struggles with fitting in after immigrating to the United States. When his teacher assigns the class an art project, he draws his memories of celebrating Chinese New Year in Hong Kong. His work inspires a class project that allows him to share his heritage with his new classmates. It also pulls in another Chinese student, who had initially been embarrassed to translate for him. Illustrated with bright watercolors, this simple and straightforward story emphasizes being proud of one’s culture and sharing it with others. It takes a while for the boy to fit in and begin to learn English, and readers see his progress. A reassuring word from his teacher (who emigrated from Mexico as a child) lets the boy, and readers, know things will continue to improve after the book ends. VERDICT This hopeful tale of acceptance is a solid addition to larger collections.–Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA
#1070 – New Year by Rich Lo
Saturday, January 28th will be the Chinese New Year, celebrated on the day of the first new moon between January 21st and February 20th each year. Rich Lo’s New Year is as aesthetically pleasing as his first picture book, Father’s Chinese Opera (review here). Lo’s watercolor illustrations are beautiful, especially when he draws the boy’s Chinese New Year memories. These include colorful dragon boats, Chinese street celebrations with music, and huge-headed, flowing ornamental dragons. Young readers will love these images, just as the boy’s classmates did. As the boy relates the celebrations, he is out of his shell, smiling and dancing, and proud of his Chinese heritage. What a terrific message for other Chinese kids feeling lost in their new American home.
new-year-spread-2New Year will entertain all children with the excitement of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Any child who was ever experienced being the new kid at school can identify with this aspect of the boy’s story. The teacher’s admission is a nice touch. The boy is never named, making it easy for children to envision themselves in the story. Lo knows how to tell a compelling story for all children, not just Chinese children. The story is about the new kid in school, who finally finds a way to feel a part of his class. The Chinese New Year adds a nice layer of a different culture for young children to learn and enjoy.
Simon & Schuster
After his family moves from Hong Kong to Los Angeles, a boy begins school in America. He has a difficult time adjusting with limited knowledge of the English language and American culture. His translator is embarrassed to have to speak her native language at school in front of her friends. The boy feels out of place and alone in his new environment, though his mother assures him that one day he will be proud of his Chinese heritage.
In February, the teacher gives the class a homework assignment: to come up with a theme with which to decorate the classroom. The boy knows exactly what the theme should be. He drafts some sketches of decorations for Chinese New Year. His teacher and classmates love the idea and have many questions about Chinese New Year for the boy. He is happy to answer and share his heritage with them.
New Year is based on author/illustrator Rich Lo’s childhood experiences immigrating to America, and it is ultimately a story about being proud of who you are and where you’ve come from.