Chin Chiang dreamed of dancing the dragon’s dance. Now that it is the Year of the Dragon, his dream would be coming true tonight. But he was so nervous. Chin knew he would never be able to dance well enough to make his grandfather proud of him. Grandfather Wu called Chin in for their last practice. Grandfather would wear the head of the dragon, and Chin would carry the tail. Chin tried, but he continued to trip, stumble, and fall. He ran away from his Grandfather, ashamed. People in the street stopped him to remind him that the Great Dragon would bring prosperity to their family if the dance pleased him. But if the dance was clumsy, the Great Dragon would be angry. He ran to the top of the library. Here he meets Pu Yee, an older woman carrying a mop and pail. She also used to dance the dragon’s dance when she was young. Chin asks the woman if she would help him practice. No one could see them at the top of the library if he tripped or fell. Still feeling unsure, he hears the festivities beginning. The New Year’s parade begins, so Pu Yee rushes Chin into the crowd. Chin nervously picks up the tail of the dragon. Instead of tripping, Chin’s feet move sure and firm. He finds Pu Yee in the crowd, and together they dance the dragon’s dance beautifully.
Children’s books on Chinese culture are scarce. When I was an elementary school student, there were very few on the shelves of our library. As a result, I know almost nothing about Chinese culture. This book was filled with Chinese culture and traditions: Year of the Dragon, paper lanterns, dragon’s dance, the Great Dragon, Chinese New Year, Lucky Money, and carp. Most students might not even realize that the Chinese New Year is not on the same date as the rest of the world. This year, it took place on February 3rd. In the classroom, I would do a unit on Chinese culture during the time of the Chinese New Year. We could celebrate the way that the Chinese do (dances, costumes, parades, traditional food, etc.). Chin Chiang and the Dragon's Dance, as well as other resources, could be used and explored by students.
