In the Chinese Year of the Rat, a young Taiwanese-American girl faces many challenges: her best friend moves to California and there is an on-going drama at the family store.  Plus, a Chinese boy immeidately moved in to her bestfriend's house!  He doesn't speak English that well yet, and people are making fun of him.    Pacy does not want to be associated with him at all. 

To cap off these troubles, she must also find the courage to forge ahead with her dream of becoming a writer and illustrator.  Her family does not believe in this endeavor, thinking this is a "closed door".

Sequel to the Year Of the Dog, The Year of The Rat features the same magical formula that earned The Year Of The Dog rave reviews and satisfied readers.