Reviews: (by author)

Wallace, Ian. Chin Chiang and the Dragon's Dance. Toronto: Meadow Mouse Paperbacks, 1984. $5.95

In Chin Chiang and the Dragon's Dance, Wallace shares the story of a young Chinese-American (or Chinese-Canadian) boy's anxieties in dancing the dragon's dance in honor of the Year the Dragon. Chin Chiang practices his steps and befriends an elderly lady who helps him to regain his confidence in performing this traditional Chinese ritual that will bring honor and pride to his family.

The dragon's dance and the celebration of the lunar year are important traditional celebrations of Chinese culture. Wallace, in a fictional account, brings this rich culture to young readers who can relate to Chin Chiang's growing pains. (This book won the Amelia Frances Howard Gibbon award.)

Wallace is both writer and illustrator and he does a superb job. The details are so intricate and realistic that you can read the "Star Wars" billboards and floors of the public library. Chin Chiang's dress indicates that he is a product of two cultures in that he is wearing a contemporary urban youth outfit along with his elaborate dragon costume. The Chiang house shows relics of Chinese traditions. Wallace displays historical and cultural sensitivity and accuracy in both texts and pictures.

Although the story may take place in Canada as it is the place of publication and it received a Canadian book award, it can easily be generalized to any Chinatown in America as well. The author speaks with authority, as the dragon dance is still a live and thriving custom today. Chinatowns in America come to life during the Chinese New Year, as it is a time to honor past traditions and Wallace captures this masterfully.

Recommended by Virginia Loh.

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