The Year of the Book: Anna Wang
#1 of 4 in Anna Wang Series
What’s inside...
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
Anna'S Father
Discussion points
How do you think Anna felt when she was trying to find a true friend? How would you feel in her situation?
What did you learn about different cultures from this book? Why is it important to learn about other people's backgrounds?
What role do books play in Anna’s life and how do they help her cope with her issues?
How did Anna change from the beginning to the end of the story? What caused these changes?
Can you relate to any of the challenges Anna faces at school or with her friends? How did she handle them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about friendship and belonging, mirroring Anna’s experiences. Discuss cultural diversity and the importance of inclusivity, drawing parallels from the book. Use specific characters or scenarios from the book to initiate conversations about personal growth and resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'The Year of the Book,' Anna Wang learns the importance of developing and maintaining friendships as she navigates her social challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to cherish their friendships, understand others' perspectives, and support their friends in times of need.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural identity
Explanation: Anna struggles with her cultural identity and eventually comes to embrace her Chinese heritage, illustrating the journey of self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of identity and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through difficulties
Explanation: Anna faces academic and personal challenges but learns the importance of perseverance and hard work.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to stay persistent in face of their own challenges, be it at school or in personal growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of literacy and creativity
Explanation: Anna finds solace and expression in reading and writing, showing how literacy can be a source of comfort and creative outlet.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to read more and possibly explore writing as a form of expressing themselves and understanding their feelings.
Example Lesson: Understanding and compassion
Explanation: Anna learns to be more empathetic as she understands more about her friends’ lives and challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be considerate and kind, helping them build stronger and more empathetic relationships with others.