In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson

I read this one when I was ten, and recently bought a copy for my three daughters to enjoy. I read this one at least 7 or 8 times myself.... Lord creates a wonderful character in Shirley who has to adapt to a whole new culture on her way to becoming an American. I recommend this one for all kids, not just those interested in sports.

(...)This book starts out in China where a young girl, named Bandit is forced to go to America. She must go because her father wants Bandit and her mother to move to America and make it their home. Bandit is not sad however, because she'll finally get to be together with her father. Bandit takes the name of Shirly Temple Wong and starts her trip to America. At first she struggles but soon, she learns to play baseball and starts making friends.Something i like about this book is the way it is clear and understandable and also a little funny. Many people would be able to relate to some of her embarressing moments. I think the book is very understandable because there are no big words and the sentences are kept simple. I could just read through the entire book without going back to make sure i read some paragraph right."One sunny afternoon, Shirly leaned out the third story window of P. S 8 slapping the chalk from the class erasers." This quote is one of the good ones. It is clear and the author keeps it simple with enough detail to satisfy the reader.One part that was funny, and i could relate to was when shirly got lost on her way back from the store."What a fool she was! Nothing but a fool. Utterly ashamed, she hid her face in her arms." This quote from the book describes Shirly after she is lost and gives up. I remember many times when i was young and would get lost alot and start getting scared.My favorite part of the book was when Shirly is told to go home. She thinks that the kids hate her and want her to go home, but really they meant to get her to run to home base. It is funny how some things can be misconcieving and how people may think very differently from others.

The book In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson is a particularly good book for young readers. It is not only entertaining but informative as well. Young readers and adults alike can relate to some of the akward experiences that follow Shirley throughout her first year at her new school. In this book the author Bette Bao Lord uses her own experiences as a young immigrant to explore a child's need and concern to gain a sense of belonging in a "New World". Through Shirley Temple Wong's experiences in Brooklyn New York, we gain an insight into the difficulties an immigrant must endure in order to learn and adapt to a new culture. Throughout the book there are numerous examples that depict Shirley's journey as she tries to belong. "Day by day, week by week, little by little Shirley shrank until she was no more...why else did the class, which had welcomed her so warmly at first ignore her so now?" (Page 51) Shirley, being only a child does not know what is American culture, only that she wants to be a part of it. After unsuccessfully trying to copy what the school children do, she concentrates her attention on baseball. By gaining knowledge on the sport, she becomes a part of her school community. Baseball and the hero Jackie Robinson help Shirley learn about American culture and to gain new friends. Baseball also contributes to her gaining a sense of belonging in America without losing her Chinese culture.

When I read this book I had to read it for school.I am glad I did ! This story takes place in New York City. Shirley Temple Wong is put in American school where eveything is different. She tryes to understand America but it`s hard because she only know`s chinese way`s.This story about and imergant chinese girl trying to make friends and trying to keep true to her chinese backround. I think people of all ages sould enjoy this book.I rate this book 5 stars.Enjoy!!!!

THIS BOOK IS ABOUT A LITTLE GIRL THAT COME FROM CHINA TO MEET HER DAD IN AMERICA---ALSO ALONG SIDE WITH HER MOM. SHE HAS TO GO TO AN ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL AND DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO SPEAK ANY ENGLISH; BUT FIRST IT ISN'T VERY EASY FOR HER TO MAKE FRIENDS. FINALLY, ONE DAY SHE MET HER FIRST FRIEND AND SHE FELL IN LOVE WITH AMERICAN BASEBALL. WHILE PLAYING WITH HER FRIENDS, SHE HIT AN ASTONISHING HOME RUN. SHE PRESENTS JACKIE ROBINSON (HER HERO) WITH THE SCHOOL KEY, AND THEN COMES THE EVER HAPPY ENDING. THE END.