After his family moves from Hong Kong to Los Angeles, a boy begins school in America. He has a difficult time adjusting with limited knowledge of the English language and American culture. His translator is embarrassed to have to speak her native language at school in front of her friends. The boy feels out of place and alone in his new environment, though his mother assures him that one day he will be proud of his Chinese heritage.
In February, the teacher gives the class a homework assignment: to come up with a theme with which to decorate the classroom. The boy knows exactly what the theme should be. He drafts some sketches of decorations for Chinese New Year. His teacher and classmates love the idea and have many questions about Chinese New Year for the boy. He is happy to answer and share his heritage with them.
New Year is based on author/illustrator Rich Lo's childhood experiences immigrating to America, and it is ultimately a story about being proud of who you are and where you've come from.
