Characters
Why does Pacy decide NOT to audition as Dorothy for the school play?
Becky tells her Dorothy wasn't Chinese.
What do people bring to "good luck parties" when children are born?
Red Eggs
According to Pacy's dad, all New Year's food has a special meaning. What is it?
Wealth
What happened to Pacy's mom at the assembly?
She fell asleep during a school assembly.
Why does the lunch lady think Pacy already had lunch?
She gets Melody and Pacy mixed up.
What four qualities do Pacy and Melody share?
1) Older and younger siblings
2) Taiwanese-American
3) Play the violin
4) Write in Chinese
The traditional Taiwanese saying "How are you?" can also mean...
... "Have you eaten yet?"
What is the the New Year tray filled with?
Candy
Grampa made something for Pacy's mom when she was little. What was it? Why?
They had a paper piano. They couldn't afford a real piano, so Grandma'sang notes when Pacy's mom played the keys.
How does Pacy get rid of her "writer's block"?
She helps her mom in the garden and finds some ugly Chinese vegetables.
What shacks do they eat at Melody's house?
They eat vitamins as snacks.
What does Pacy's grandma draw on Pacy's sore neck? Why?
Tiger & Pig
The tiger would chase the pig and make it feel better.
What did Pacy's mom cook for Thanksgiving? How was it different from other people's dinner?
Pacy's mom cooked Chinese dishes and a very small turkey (which was placed on the side of the table).
Why was Pacy's mom embarrassed on her first day of school?
Pacy's mom was embarrassed because her grandmother walked her to school. (As she later found out, everyone's grandma did this.)
What fruit does Pacy's family eat for Chinese New Year? Why?
They eat oranges for wealth. Orange ju sounds close to ji or “good fortune."
What is Pacy's other name?
Grace
How does Melody "accidentally" sit on a ghost?
She sits on an empty chair that is reserved for her ancestors.
How did Pacy's parents feel about putting up Christmas decorations?
They both hate it. Mom hates buying the Christmas tree, and Dad hates putting up the Christmas lights.
What did Uncle Shin do with the special cake? And then what happened?
Uncle Shin ate (or spit on) all the slices of special cake ... but that night, he got a horrible stomachache.
What is Pacy and Melody's science experiement? How/Why was it "flawed"?
Pea plant growth with different liquids. It is flawed because they did not use the same location and a small number of plants.
How did Pacy's grandfather get rich?
He had a good reputation for helping a poor street vendor, so people became his patients.
Name three Chinese New Year's traditions Pacy's family follows...
Clean everything in the house
Display Chinese New Year decorations
Shopping for New Clothes
Get a haircut
Cook/Eat New Year's foods
Fill up the New Year tray
Receive money from relatives
Final Jeopardy?
Write down your amount to wager.
Why was the "Year of Dog" a good year for Pacy?
(three good things)
What was the school inspector's job? What did she do to Pacy's mom?
She inspected all the students' hair and uniforms. Then, she "unevenly" cut Pacy's mom's hair because it was too long.
What are the results from the National Written and Illustrated Awards Contest for Pacy? What did Pacy learn (about herself)?
She wins 4th prize! She knows she wants to make books when she grows up.