Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix-up

by Hà Dinh

Overview

Sometimes things don’t turn out the way we plan! In this chapter book series about a daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, Ly-Lan navigates her life as a new third grader—complete with old and new friends, unexpected (and disappointing) changes at home and school, and finding a way to thrive.

Third grade is not starting the way Ly-Lan pictured. First, her best friend Cece is put in another class—even after Ly-Lan prayed they would be in the same one. And then Ly-Lan is tasked with showing the new Vietnamese student around. Ly-Lan wants to hang out with Cece, not play translator to the new girl, and she doesn’t understand why her prayers aren’t being answered. If Ly-Lan is going to flourish in third grade, she must learn to trust in God’s plans, especially when it means making some adjustments to her own.

Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix-up:

• Is the first in a series of illustrated early chapter books about Ly-Lan, a third grader tackling familiar themes like friendship, overcoming obstacles, and navigating changes in life with grace
• Perfect for kids ages 6 and up or reluctant or emerging readers just starting to read chapter books on their own.
• Is an encouraging read for reluctant readers with its illustrated chapters.
• Is written by Vietnamese American author Ha Dinh, creator of Happy Daysin First Grade.com and @hellomrsdinh on Instagram

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310174899
Publisher:	Zonderkidz
Publication date:	06/03/2025
Series:	Ly-Lan Finds a Way
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 7.30(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

Hà Dinh was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 5 years old. She graduated from the University of Louisville with a bachelor’s degree in English and Humanities and a Master’s of Art in Teaching in Early Elementary Education. She is married to her high school sweetheart, is a mother of two, the founder of Happy Days in First Grade teaching blog, and a former elementary teacher of 16 years. Hà seeks to inspire kids to share their own stories and make a positive impact in the world.

Editorial Reviews

03/31/2025

Vietnamese eight-year-old Ly-Lan, who lives in Grapevine, Tex., is excited for third grade, during which she and her peers will sit at big desks and read big books and can eat lunch wherever they want in the cafeteria. (She and her best friend, redheaded Cece, even study a hand-drawn cafeteria map to plot where they’ll sit.) Ly-Lan knows everything will be perfect because she’s already prayed to Jesus for what she wants. But on the first day of school, Ly-Lan learns that she and Cece are in different classes and that cafeteria seats are assigned. What’s more, she’s expected to befriend new girl Quyên Lê, who is also Vietnamese and is still learning English. Though Ly-Lan has helped newcomers in the past, personal struggles with her faith and worries about what Cece is doing squash Ly-Lan’s typically generous nature. Lightly Christian messaging permeates a classic friendship story in which Ly-Lan learns that “God isn’t a genie” who grants wishes and that people can have more than one friend. Dinh (The Jade Bracelet) imbues Ly-Lan’s emotional journey with brightness and heart in this gentle series opener. A Vietnamese glossary concludes. Final art by Bishop (the Lily Lu to the Rescue series) not seen by PW. Ages 5–9. Author’s agent: Hannah VanVels Ausbury, Belcastro Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Mela Bolinao, MB Artists. (June)

Publishers Weekly

05/01/2025

Gr 1–4—Named for both of her Vietnamese grandmothers, Ly-Lan is eagerly anticipating the start of third grade, where she's sure she'll be in the same class as her best friend, Cece, and finally have the freedom to sit wherever she likes in the cafeteria. Tragically, the first day of school ends with Ly-Lan and Cece consigned to different classrooms and new cafeteria rules limiting where they can sit. It's the worst day ever for Ly-Lan, until a colorful cast of supportive adults, parents, and friends help her to see the good in a tough situation. Simple yet engaging sentence structure, short chapters, and a wholesome message about embracing change and making new friends are perfect for early readers, who may also learn a few words in Vietnamese along the way. Ly-Lan is also Christian, and a key plot point revolves around prayer. Although the final edition of this book appears to have illustrations, they were not available at the time of review. VERDICT A warm early chapter book series, recommended for readers who love the "Yasmin" books by Saadia Faruqi.

School Library Journal