Sharon's parents are sending her two-year-old brother Di Di to live in China for a year with the grandparents. They believe Di Di will get the best attention and care from family rather than a childcare while Sharon's mother takes on a new job. Sharon and her sister Mary miss their baby brother, but eventually assorted activities and the seasons keep them occupied until his return. There is then a rough adjustment period for all concerned before Di Di and the rest of the family coalesce as a unit again. As an adult reading this, I wondered if Di Di had a disability that the author chose not to describe. But in the author's afterword, she explains how some Asian and African families believe that sending their child to live with relatives for a period of time is preferable to and more affordable than childcare or babysitters. The merits of this practice would be a highly debatable topic in American society, but for the intended readers of this book, the story is simply an interesting, or maybe familiar, episode in one family's life. ( )

Simple, insightful story about older siblings coping with separation from a younger brother. ( )

In this story Sharon and Mary learn their parents are going to send their baby brother to China to live with his grandparents for one year. In this way he will be immersed in the Chinese culture. This decision creates many different feelings in not only the children but also in the adults. As I read this from a mother's perspective, I kept wondering how these parents could make that decision. I understand wanting them to be immersed in their culture but it would be so difficult. I did enjoy the book as it gave me a look at a different culture. I believe my students will be interested in it as we have added Chinese this year to our curriculum and they are learning a lot about the culture from our Chinese teacher who is here for this year. ( )

Title: Only One YearAuthor: Andrea ChengPublisher: Lee & Low BooksSynopsis: Sharon and Mary's two year old brother, Di Di, goes to China to live for a year as per family tradition. The book centers around this event and what happens when Di Di comes back. Ultimately, this is a celebration of family values.My Thoughts: I thought this was a really cute read! Di Di is adorable. I think little kids will enjoy this book and learning about why some cultures send very young children abroad for a year. It's fascinating! This would be a nice edition to any elementary classroom library. ( )

Nine-year-old Sharon has conflicted feelings towards her copycat little sister and rambunctious toddler brother, who is sent to China for a year to live with relatives.