Lunar New Year Love Story
Written by Gene Luen Yang
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Published by First Second
Two graphic novel superstars join forces in this heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, forgiveness, and lion dancing!
Valentina Tran used to love Valentine’s Day. But when she learns the truth behind her parents’ separation, she concludes true love is a lie. A ghoulish visage of Saint Valentine appears and promises to protect Val from heartbreak—but only if she gives up on love. Permanently.
Suddenly, cousins Leslie and Jae come roaring into Val’s life—literally. They’re lion dancers, and during one fateful Lunar New Year performance, the lion they’re inside hands Val a paper heart. And in that moment, Val feels . . . something again.
Is that feeling love? Could this be Val’s chance to break the family curse? Or is she destined to have a broken heart forever?
Primary ISBN: 9781626728103
Publication Date: January 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Age 14 or older
Community Represented: Vietnamese/Vietnamese American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Accolades & Awards: Youth Media Awards, Arts, Celebrations: Lunar New Year, Celebrations: Valentine’s Day, Coming of Age, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Graphic Novel, Generation: 1st, Generational Differences: Dating, Genre: Fantasy & Folklore, Multilingual: Korean Featured Words, Multilingual: Mandarin Featured Words, Multilingual: Vietnamese Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing: Intergenerational
Setting: United States (Oakland CA)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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