Grace and Shu Mai
The Dumpling Dog
by
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As Grace flipped through the movie channels she said, “Ugh! I’ve seen all these! There’s nothing good on!” Well, I have a story! A sad but happy story and the best part about it is it’s true!” Flora said intriguing Grace. “What? Tell Me!!” Grace said with anticipation. “I’ll tell you what; get into bed and I’ll tell it to you.”
“Deal!” said Grace. Grace got all her pillows and blankets around her to hear Flora’s true story. “I’m ready Flora!”
“ A few weeks ago before you even arrived I was heading home from work on a particularly windy and rainy night. As I approached my apartment building I could hear a noise coming from the trash bin down the alleyway. Now, I was by myself and I have to admit I didn’t want to go down the dark alleyway alone. But as I stood still and listened carefully I definitely heard something coming from the trash bin.”
Grace engrossed in Flora’s story started to pull the covers tight around her. Flora continued, “ As I approached the trash bin I notice the light right above it was out and whatever was inside might jump out at me! So I tapped the side and jumped away quickly just in case it was coming from behind the bin and not inside.”
Grace’s eyes widen as she listened to Flora. “As my heart was pounding I could hear the sounds of whimpering. I had a choice: walk away or open it! Even though I didn’t know what I would find I threw open the lid and jumped back a little”
Grace couldn’t wait, “What was in it? What did you find?!”
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About the Book
Ten-year-old Grace Stuart is having a perfect day. She got an A on her math test, she got the solo part in the dance recital, and it’s Friday. At dinner that night, however, her parents tell her that the whole family is moving—to Macau, China!
Even though she will be living in one of the grandest hotels on the planet, Grace is still afraid and worried about leaving her home and everything she’s ever known. When they arrive, she is lonely and frustrated by all the new things about their new life—until her babysitter tells her about a box full of abandoned puppies that she had rescued a few weeks ago that are now at the local animal shelter. Grace can’t wait to meet one puppy in particular. She adopts the little puppy and names her Shu Mai, after the dumpling-like mark that appears on her chest. And the little dumpling dog helps Grace learn some very important lessons, helping to change not only their family but the whole community.
In this novel for middle readers, a girl and her family move to China, where they adopt a dog and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.
About the Author
J. L. Tracy, a writer and philanthropist, lived for nearly five years in Macau, China, and traveled throughout Asia. While in Macau she learned about the culture, created friendships, and engaged in community service. While working with the local animal shelter, Anima, she adopted her dog, Shu Mai. She currently lives in Naples, Florida.