Linda 's Reviews > The Year of the Book

A fourth grade ABC (American born Chinese according to the book) struggles with her relationship with her mother, her feelings of being different because she is Chinese, and the 'how-to' of making friends. The book leads us through Anna's story, and while not all is perfect, she does find some answers to some personal questions. The title refers to the way that Anna seems to deal with her problems, by hiding in a book. While she shares some great titles like A Wrinkle In Time and My Side of the Mountain, the interaction between them and Anna's real life's problems are not connected. Anna is growing up, so typically critical of her mother, and shows embarrassment that her mother is only learning to drive. Finally, the complexities of being in and out of friendship with different girls makes Anna just want to hide. Because of personal problems, a former friend does come to stay for a few days, and Anna is forced to open her eyes to a young woman who wants to be her friend. It's a sweet book, and I loved Anna from the beginning.