Lunar New Year Love Story is a 2024 romance graphic novel written by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. It was widely positively received, including winning three Eisner awards.
Plot After learning a secret about her allegedly dead mother, Vietnamese American teenager Valentina believes her family is cursed when it comes to love. Her imaginary friend, who previously appeared as Cupid, transforms into a ghostly figure haunting her. However, after a chance encounter with a lion dancer at a Tết Lunar New Year celebration, she enters a relationship.
Reception The book received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, the Horn Book, School Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews. Both Kirkus Reviews and the Horn Book praised the "kinetic" depiction of lion dancers. The Beat commented on Pham’s artwork and the opening sequence. + Awards and honors for Lunar New Year Love StoryYearAward/HonorResultRef.2025Eisner Award for Best Publication for TeensWonEisner Award for Best Graphic Album – NewEisner Award for Best WriterAmerican Library Association's Great Graphic Novels for TeensTop TenIgnyte Award for Outstanding Comics TeamNominated2024-2025Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature - Young Adult LiteratureNominated2024Harvey Award for Book of the YearNominated
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