I did not know what to expect with the graphic novel, Lion Dancers by Cai Tse. I guess I figured it would be about learning how to be a lion dancer. I figured there would be Kid One who is “troubled” and learns about lion dancing to “get his energies out” and/or connect to his culture. Then there would be Kid Two (or more) trying to stand in their way. And, it is a little bit like that, but there is more to things, too.
The use of Lion Dancing to show the pressures of being a middle schooler, friendship troubles, the concept of teamwork and family dynamics makes this coming of age story new and still you know the drill. Overall things are simple, but fun and just the right amount of image details allow the illustrations (which are colorful and support the action) to do their job and help the text move along. Maybe things were not THE BEST EVER but I would read it again. I would also recommend it to most people, though I think people who are the “shy kid” might relate the most, but the outgoing kids would, too.
One of things I felt while reading was how it reminded me of a younger version (or had elements of) Duel by Bagley (a different sport (fencing/lion dancing), the rivalry between siblings (Duel) and/or friend (Lion Dancer) and the Lunar New Year aspects (especially the lion dancing/friendship rivals) in Lunar New Year Love Story by Yang. Though currently available, I read via an online reader copy.