In this sequel to The Year of the Dog, Pacy has another big year in store for her. The year of the dog was a very lucky year: she met her best friend Melody and discovered her true talents. However, the year of the rat brings big changes: Pacy must deal with Melody moving to California, finds the courage to forge on with her dream of becoming a writer and illustrator, and learn to face some of her own flaws. Pacy encounters prejudice, struggles with acceptance and must find the beauty in change.