THE MYSTERY OF THE PAINTED FAN

Eight-year-old Jacob copes with gender roles and expectations.

Youngest Nguyen sibling Jacob knows what he likes and is used to getting his way. So he doesn’t understand why people are suddenly questioning his choices—like when a friend’s father tells him Vietnamese boys don’t wear pink. When his sister tells him she’s never seen a boy wear nail polish, Jacob retreats to his room, where his Grandma Nội’s fan hits him in the head. Grandma Nội passed away two years ago, but his Vietnamese Canadian family believes that their ancestors stay with them even after death. Unlike his family, Jacob doesn’t really remember Grandma Nội. But as he traces the Vietnamese zodiac animals adorning the fan, they turn a glittery gold color. Is Grandma Nội offering advice? As he draws strength from the different characteristics of the zodiac animals and Grandma Nội, Jacob gains the confidence to remain true to himself. In this latest series installment, Trinh explores the intersection of cultural identity and gender expression and identity. Readers will easily follow the straightforward first-person narrative as Jacob tries to make sense of it all. Though Jacob receives mixed reactions from kids and adults alike as he explores who he wants to be, his family is generally supportive, and their affirmation, especially from elders like Grandpa Nội, is comforting. Dynamic black-and-white illustrations capture Jacob’s ups and downs.

A simple yet heartfelt tale of self-acceptance and identity.