"He giggles and chatters in Chinese.
In her third story about Amy Wu, Kat Zhang pens a new challenge for the ebullient Amy. As she enters her early years classroom, Amy hears her teacher introducing a new student - Lin. Lin has just arrived from China. Amy and her classmates welcome Lin with smiles. Lin smiles at the warmth shown him; he does not speak. although it looks as if he wants to do that. Instead, he blushes and stays silent.
Sitting together at lunch, Amy does her best to strike up a conversation. Lin remains quiet. Play time is the same, and nothing changes when Lin shows his soccer ball at show-and-tell. There is no tell. Amy voices her concern to her mother at school pick-up. It is then she sees Lin talking animatedly with his little sister - in Chinese. What a difference from the boy in the classroom to the boy with his family!
A shopping trip with her mom inspires Amy to come up with a plan. With the help of her grandmother, Amy is able to write a message of welcome (in Chinese) for Lin and his family when they invite them to a party with friends. Now is the time for Amy to feel hesitant, while Lin becomes more confident. They make dumplings together and enjoy a meal with everyone present. Only when Lin's family is ready to leave does she unfold her banner of welcome.
Warm, familiar illustrations give young readers a true glimpse at the diversity in Amy's classroom, show the kindness of her family, and the heartfelt attempts made to let Lin and his family feel accepted and welcome in their new home. Back matter offers the author's personal experiences growing up in a bilingual family, as well as simple instructions for making a welcome banner.
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