Yang the Third and Her Impossible Family [Paperback]

Lensey Namioka (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Yang

Yingmei Yang has changed her name to Mary now that she's learning how to be American. It's hard since her family sticks to their Chinese customs, which can be embarrassing in public. Still, Mary wants to be best friends with popular Holly Hanson. She sees her chance when she adopts one of Holly's kittens. The trouble is that Mary's family can't afford a cat and it could damage their prized musical instruments. To prove her friendship to Holly, Mary must find a way to keep the kitten a secret from her impossible family. It won't be easy!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the sequel to Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear, Yingmei hopes to win friends by adopting a classmate's kitten, even though she must keep the pet a secret from her traditional Chinese family. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6?Yingmei (a.k.a. Mary) Yang, the third of four children, tries to communicate the dichotomous feelings of a young Chinese girl, newly immigrated to the U.S., who is working hard to fit in, but whose efforts seem to be held back by the mannerisms and traditions of her family, the musical Yangs. Torn by her feelings of both pride and embarrassment for them, and yearning to win the friendship of a popular blonde schoolmate, Mary agrees to take one of Holly's cat's kittens, although she knows her family does not want pets because they fear animals would damage their expensive instruments. She and her younger brother cook up an elaborate and increasingly ridiculous scheme to hide the kitten in their basement. In this book, which is not as successful as Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear (Little, 1992), Namioka has resorted to many cliches, such as the substitution of "l" for "r" in the Chinese pronunciation of English, along with a few pat, hearty "we are all ethnic" conversations. The lack of subtlety reflects poorly on both the newcomers and their American neighbors. While the foundations of some of the situations, and Mary's reactions to them, ring true, their broad expression seems to promote stereotypes more than to show greater truths and understanding among people of different cultural backgrounds.?Carla Kozak, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Yearling; Reprint edition (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440412315
• ISBN-13: 978-0440412311
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.4 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #566,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #85 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Multicultural Stories > Asian & Asian American

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a very, very good book and you will enjoy it., May 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Yang the Third and Her Impossible Family (Paperback)

I think that this book would be very good for someone who moves from another country to the United States. It shows that just because your customs are different that doesn't mean you can't be respected by other people. I thought it was a funny book because while Yingmei Yang was trying to be friends with Holly, Yingmei's mother kept accidentally insulting Holly's mother Mrs. Hanson. In China it it a compliment to be called old and fat. When Yingmei's mother called Mrs. Hanson old and fat she was very insulted and Yingmei was very embarrased of her mother.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review for Yang The Third And Her Impossible Family, May 18, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Yang the Third and Her Impossible Family (Paperback)

I really like Yang The Third And Her Impossible Family by Lensey Namioka. The book is about a Chinese girl who moves to Seattle. She is trying very hard to fit in and make new friends, and her family isn't helping very much. Mary adopts a cat without tellin her parents. She is trying to learn American customs and is changing her name to Mary, and American name. I liked the book because it is funny and nothing sad really happens. I think you should read this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Book, May 18, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Yang the Third and Her Impossible Family (Paperback)

This book is about a Chinese girl who noved from China to America. At the Thanksgiving dinner, many embarrassing things happen. The book is about a girl named Mary who wants to become best friends with the popular Holly Hanson. On the way, Mary gets a kitty, tries the best she can to become friends with Holly, and isn't honest with her family. Will Mary and Holly become friends? Will Mary's parent's find out about the Kitty Rita? You should read Yang The Third And Her Impossible Family by Lensey Namioka. It was good.