Characters & Connections
Who is Pacy’s best friend?
Melody
What holiday does the story begin with?
Chinese New Year
Who wrote The Year of the Dog?
Grace Lin
What is Pacy trying to discover during the Year of the Dog?
Her talent or what she wants to be when she grows up
Who usually cooks in Pacy’s family?
Her mom
What are Pacy’s sisters’ names?
Lissy and Ki-Ki
What color is considered lucky during Chinese New Year?
RED
What does Grace Lin say inspired her to write the book?
Her own childhood experiences as a Taiwanese-American girl.
What contest does Pacy enter at school?
A writing contest
What traditional dish does Pacy’s family eat on Chinese New Year?
Dumplings
Which friend does Pacy do the science fair with?
Melody
What is usually in red envelopes?
Money!
What story from Pacy’s mom teaches her about luck?
The story of the red eggs.
Who is Pacy in the school play?
A munchkin
What do dumplings symbolize?
Wealth and good fortune
What does Pacy realize she and Melody have in common that brings them closer?
They’re both Taiwanese-American and share similar experiences
According to the zodiac, what does being born in the Year of the Dog mean?
You’ll find friends and discover your true self
What theme do many of the stories within the book share?
Family, tradition, and self-discovery
What does Pacy decide she wants to be by the end of the book?
An author
Name 3 of the Thanksgiving foods they ate?
A small turkey, glassy rice noodles, stir-fried shrimp, crispy fried fish, meaty dumplings, sweet and sour pork, egg drop soup, white rice.
What holiday does Pacy make up to make her friend feel better?
Unicorn Day!
What is one custom Pacy’s family does to prepare for the New Year?
Cleaning the house or setting out food offerings to ancestors
Why does Pacy start writing her own story?
She realizes her life and culture have value and deserve to be shared
What two animals does Pacy's grandma paint on her neck to help it feel better?
The Tiger and the Pig
What does Pacy learn about her family’s traditions while eating together?
That food connects them to their culture and ancestors.