Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (First Second, 352 pages, grades 6 and up). In my quest to mix things up a bit more this year, I’m hoping to expand my horizons, occasionally anyway, to young adult literature. When I saw the three starred reviews for this graphic novel by an award-winning team, I decided it was a good place to start. I was right.
Valentina used to love Valentine’s Day until her freshman year in high school, when she learned that her mother, gone her whole live and presumed (by Valentina) to be dead, is still alive and estranged from her and her dad. The ghostly Cupid who has long been her friend turns into a more menacing spirit of St. Valentine and tells Valentina that her family is doomed never to find true love.
Her crush on Les leads her to try lion dancing, and her passion for the dance becomes intertwined with her new romance with Les. But Les is a player, and before long, Valentina begins to wonder about his quieter, more serious cousin Jae. A series of misunderstandings keeps them apart, almost forever, but as Valentina grows and learns more about herself and her family, she finally finds the courage to set things right.
Wow, YA romance is a more serious business than the innocent middle school crushes of middle grade literature! There is true love to be found here, but I can’t think of anything that would raise red flags for middle school librarians. Most of the reviews I saw recommend it for grades 8 and up, but I think some sixth and seventh graders would enjoy it, too. Even if they’re not into romance, there are plenty of interesting family and cultural issues to keep many readers satisfied. And the art is truly spectacular, particularly the renditions of the lion dancing. Although it’s only February, I’m sure this will be an awards contender next January!