The Mystery of the Painted Fan

April 15, 2023
Eight-year-old Jacob copes with gender roles and expectations. Youngest Nguyen sibling Jacob knows what he likes and is used to getting his way. So he doesn't understand why people are suddenly questioning his choices--like when a friend's father tells him Vietnamese boys don't wear pink. When his sister tells him she's never seen a boy wear nail polish, Jacob retreats to his room, where his Grandma Nội's fan hits him in the head. Grandma Nội passed away two years ago, but his Vietnamese Canadian family believes that their ancestors stay with them even after death. Unlike his family, Jacob doesn't really remember Grandma Nội. But as he traces the Vietnamese zodiac animals adorning the fan, they turn a glittery gold color. Is Grandma Nội offering advice? As he draws strength from the different characteristics of the zodiac animals and Grandma Nội, Jacob gains the confidence to remain true to himself. In this latest series installment, Trinh explores the intersection of cultural identity and gender expression and identity. Readers will easily follow the straightforward first-person narrative as Jacob tries to make sense of it all. Though Jacob receives mixed reactions from kids and adults alike as he explores who he wants to be, his family is generally supportive, and their affirmation, especially from elders like Grandpa Nội, is comforting. Dynamic black-and-white illustrations capture Jacob's ups and downs. A simple yet heartfelt tale of self-acceptance and identity. (character biographies, author's note) (Fiction. 6-9)

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May 1, 2023

Gr 1-4-In this engaging installment of the "Nguyen Kids" series, eight-year-old Jacob takes center stage. He loves hockey, but when his dad takes him to buy a new helmet, a problem arises. Jacob wants a pink helmet like the one his friend Emma has because it will make him look like a dragon flying across the ice. Confused by his dad's resistance, Jacob retreats to his room where he picks up his grandmother's painted fan featuring the traditional animals of the Vietnamese zodiac. As Jacob traces the animals with his finger, they turn a glittery gold, and he feels a rush of wind like an invisible blanket wrapping around him and he knows it must be his grandmother. He's happy when his mom says she's okay with the pink helmet, but she doesn't want him to be sad because "other people may be surprised." Jacob says he doesn't care what other people think and is happy to get his pink helmet. However, at the hockey match, people's hurtful comments wound Jacob. The same bullying continues at school, making Jacob wonder who his friends are, but he never has to wonder about his family who support him doing the things that bring him joy. This is a wonderfully uplifting tale of a Vietnamese American family who is kind, caring, and supportive of Jacob. His choices sometimes surprise them, but they show up for him without judgment, but with encouragement and love. Expressive illustrations add a wonderful visual dimension to the story. VERDICT A strong chapter book about family, love, and gender expression that is recommended for all libraries.-Laura Fields Eason

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