The Kite Fighters

by Linda Sue Park, Eung Won Park (Illustrator)

In Seoul, Korea, in 1473, Young-sup and his older brother Kee-sup are excited about the New Year kite competition. Young-sup is an expert at kite flying. He knows just what his kite wants him to do. Kee-sup has trouble handling his kite, but can build and design a kite fit for a king.

Each brother knows his own talents as they practice together for the New Year kite-fighting competition. But according to tradition, Kee-sup, the first-born son, must represent the family. Young-sup knows he must help his older brother and stay in second place. But that doesn’t stop him from hoping for the chance to show his great skill as a kite fighter.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Asia, Historical, School

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 2000

About the author

Linda Sue Park is a Korean American author of children's fiction. Park published her first novel, Seesaw Girl, in 1999. To date, she has written six children’s novels and five picture books for younger readers. Park’s work achieved prominence when she received the prestigious 2002 Newbery Medal for her novel A Single Shard.

Reviews

[Barb Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Seesaw Girl, this book deals with choices in life. Some choices we can choose: the choice of occupation, the choice of attitude, the choice of following traditions. Some choices we cannot choose: choice of being a boy or girl, the choice of siblings, or the choice of birth order. Young-sup is second to his brother, Kee-sup, where 15th century Korean traditions are such that their father treats the second son different than the first son. The firstborn is the only sibling that gets to go to the ancestors gravesite, study to become a scholar, and make decisions in the family. The unfairness of the treatment boils beneath the surface of Young-sup who wants his father to notice him the same as Kee-sup.

Kee-sup gets a kite for the New Year's celebration while the jealous Young-sup gets a board game. Young-sup begs to fly the kite with Kee-sup who says, no, at first only to relent as he tires of his limited success flying the kite. Unlike his brother, Young-sup is a natural as he launches the kite into the air almost immediately knowing instinctively when the wind is right and how much rope to reel in or let out. He teaches his brother how to fly and the two have great fun on the hillside each day with the new toy. When the kite gets damaged, Kee-sup rebuilds it and his skill in craftsmanship turns the tables where he teaches Young-sup how to make a kite.

The young king sees the boys kite flying and asks them to build him a kite to enter in the New Year's competition. The kite flying competition involves "fighting" where the kite flyers try to knock each others kites to the ground or cut the lines. The king wants Young-sup to fly it and Kee-sup to build it. Thrilled with the request, Kee-sup struggles over the construction of the kite while Young-sup and their father support him in his efforts. When the time comes for the competition, their father says that the oldest son should fly it causing Young-sup to angrily confront his brother about the unfairness of him being number one. He's really mad at the culture's traditional role of the firstborn son, but he can't discuss it with his parents and takes his frustration out on his brother. In an exciting climax the two figure out a way to use the traditions to their advantage, yet not be disrespectful toward their father.

The passion Young-sup has for kite flying is described in such vivid detail it made me think of those things I'm passionate about doing. The siblings show how they can have great fun together and great disagreements. Young-sup's anger is authentic afterwards he recognizes that he can't direct his fury at his father so instead he takes it out on his brother. Both boys are thoughtful, kind, selfish, and creative. Their well-rounded characters drive this story forward at a fast clip. Even the father and young king change in ways that made me vested in what happens to all of them.

The plot is wrapped up nicely. Park doesn't leave unresolved issues in her stories. Even the stall owner of the kites has a part I didn't expect. The brothers make many choices and while most are good there are other times they are selfish. This makes them all the more real to the reader and in the end, they show graciousness in winning, wisdom in dealing with their father, and courage to reach their goals. A terrific story that is going to appeal to all readers.

Reading Level 5.9

[Yasemin Salihoglu Karagul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ilkokul 5. Sınıfa giden kızımın okuma listesinde idi bu kitap ve öğretmenleri ebeveynlerden birinin bu kitabı okumasını istemiş iyi ki de istemiş.
Kardeşlik, birbirine saygı, aile ilişkileri, emek, onur ve dürüstlük üzerine harika bir hikayeydi.
Başarmak için çok çalışmak gerektiği, herkesin ayrı bir özelliği olduğu, kimsenin kimseden üstün olmayacağı o kadar güzel anlatılmış ki.
Değerlerimizi yitirdiğimizi düşündüğüm şu günlerde yüzümde hafif bir gülümseme gözlerimde yaş okudum kitabı.

[Siliang Lei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give the book, “The Kite Fighters,” 5 out of 5 stars. The book takes place in Korea and wonderfully describes the relationship between two brothers. The two brothers were Kee-sup and Young-sup. Since Keep-sup was older than Young-sup, he was given most of the respect in the family. They both love kites and specialize in parts of a kite. In the book, the two brothers work together to build a magnificent kite. Besides their rivalry, the end product was fabulous. This shows that with teamwork, anything can be accomplished.


When I was reading the book, I really wanted to feel what Young-sup really felt. I’ve never had a brother. I didn't really know what having a older brother that gets all the respect will feel like. As I was reading the book, I remember how my classmates would complain about their siblings. They would say that their siblings are very annoying and bother them everyday. However, from my perspective, I would love to have a sibling, especially one like Young-sup that has the same interests as you. The sibling can console you when you’re sad, regale you when you’re bored and care for you when you need it. I think that Young-sup shouldn’t hate his brother but instead truly appreciate who he has and treat each day he has with his brother as a gift.


This book really made me think a lot. I truly recommend this book.

[Angela Boord · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why it took me so long to get around to reading this book, because we've owned it for a while. But all the boys really liked it, and it was a really wonderful, short read-aloud, particularly for brothers.

[Kairavi Pandya · Rating 5 out of 5]

At one point when I was beginning to discover South Korea's culture and traditions I wondered if they ever flew kites. I had witnessed kites in Japanese anime but didn't know if Korea had a liking for this sport too.

Due to this, The Kite Fighters took me to the grounds of Joseon Korea with the sights of a sport that I have often seen around my neighborhood during India's grand kite festival celebrations.

The book not only depicts the journey of a kite from paper to wide horizons but also highlights the coming-of-age tale of two brothers who are learning the principles of adulthood- quite similar to a kite taking a fight into the open sky.

While reviewing another book by Linda Sue Park I wrote that 'this should be added to the school's curriculum'- hence although Kite Fighters might not make it to the syllabus of school I do hope that makes it into the hands of many middle-school readers.

[Tyler Sherwin · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book the Kite Fighter by Linda Sue Park is about two young brothers named Kee-sup and Young-sup that both admire kites, and the sport that goes along with it, Kite Fighting. Kee-sup has many troubles trying to fly kites which stresses him knowing he is the oldest. However, he is very talented at designing and creating them. On the other hand, Young-sup is very gifted with amazing kite flying skills, and knows exactly how to handle them. He even claims "the kite talks him" which helps him maneuver it. One day the King of Korea notices the beautiful kite Kee-sup designed and commands him to make a "kings kite" for him. The king ends up adoring the kite Kee-sup created for him and wants to enter it in the annual Kite Fighting competition. Sadly for the king he couldn't compete knowing people would him win the competition without a fight. So, the king chose Young-sup to compete for him during the New Year events and hopes that he represents the kite well.Overall, I did not enjoy this book. The plot was very boring and did not interest me at all. Plus, the different cultures did not make me want to read more and I would not recommend reading this.

[Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Young-sup holds a kite in his hand, he knows exactly how to make it fly. His older brother, Kee-sup, struggles to launch his kite, but he knows exactly how to construct one that is beautiful in form and perfectly balanced. One day, the young king of Korea suddenly arrives with all of his attendants on the hillside where the brothers are playing with their matching tiger kites. He requests their help in learning to fly one, and then asks Kee-sup to make a kite for him. The boy is deeply honored and works diligently on it, a dragon flecked with real gold paint. Meanwhile, Young-sup is determined to win the kite-fighting competition at the New Year's festival. He practices on the hillside where the king frequently joins him, and their growing friendship leads to an interesting collaboration and a thorny challenge to tradition in Korea in 1473. The final contest, in which Young-sup flies for the king, is riveting. Though the story is set in medieval times, the brothers have many of the same issues facing siblings today. They play and argue, they compete for their father's attention, and eventually develop a greater understanding of one another. The author has drawn her characters with a sure touch, creating two very different boys struggling to figure out who they are. With ease and grace, Park brings these long-ago children to life. The author shows us that teamwork is very important and that sometimes we should listen to each other

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5*

It's a great book for those who want to learn more about Korean. I also like the illustrations. The pointillism technique reminds me of the time when I was an Art teacher last year.


Just like in most countries in Asia, the eldest in the family has more privilege and priorities than the younger ones. But in this story both boys realized their strengths and weaknesses and gained victory in an annual kite match. There was a quarrel between them though, about being the oldest and the younger, the envy and the responsibilities. It's a good topic I think.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is a very good book. The place take in ancient times in Korea and about 2 brothers racing about the kite.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kite Fighters is a touching story of two brothers set in Korea in 1473. It was written by Linda Sue Park, the award-winning author of A Single Shard. Her parents immigrated to America from Korea in the 1950's and so she knows the Korean customs well. The Kite Fighters was first published In 2000 by Yearling. Now there are many editions available, both in print and ebook format.

Young-sup could fly kites, they spoke to him and he always knew exactly what to do. The kite became part of him, however, the kites he made were clumsy and ugly. His older brother, Kee-sup could design and make kites that were as good as those made by the old kite seller in the market, but he struggled to fly. Together, they make a formidable team, each using his own skill to complement that of his brother. Excitement builds as the New Year celebrations approach, with the annual kite fights. Young-sup is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime, but the fact that he is not the firstborn stands in his way. He must relinquish his privilege to Kee-sup, the rightful representative of the family, and, setting himself aside, he must help his brother, but is he prepared for the surprise that follows?

The Kite Fighters is a lovely little book. The story is simple, but well-told. It is filled with ancient Korean customs and traditions, but also with emotions that are common to all mankind, regardless of culture. Love, devotion, jealousy, anger and admiration are portrayed with strength and vividness. The characters are interesting, their characters are consistent, but also complex. The reader quickly gets to know them, but is sometimes still surprised by their sudden changes, but they feel completely authentic.

This is an exciting, beautiful story that will be enjoyed by a broad spectrum of people, but is best suited to children between the ages of nine and twelve.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kite Fighters takes place in 1473 Seoul, Korea. Brothers Young-sup and older brother Kee-sup are soon to be celebrating the New Year. Each year the festivity includes a kite fighting competition. When older brother Kee-sup receives a kite and has difficulty flying it, Young-sup helps him and learns that he has a knack for kite flying. Eager to have his own kite, Young-sup asks his brother to build and design one for him. Instead, Kee-sup agrees to help him build it. As the brothers practice their skills in flying the kites, they draw the attention of the King who commands them to build him his own kite. Young-sup teaches the king how to fly a kite and in turn he wants him to fly his kite in the competition. According to tradition, the first born son represents the family so Young-sup is heart broken when his father insists that Kee-sup be the one to fly the kite. The author finds and interesting way to remedy the situation. Overall, a lovely story about honoring your father, brother and respect for traditions. I think it would make for an interesting read aloud as well.

[Mr. Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

FULL DISCLOSURE: I was not looking forward to reading this book. And I wasn't judging the book by its cover, even though it's boring. I wasn't judging the book by its title, which is also boring. I was, in fact, judging the book by its premise, which sounded dreadfully boring.

That being said, I'm happy I gave the book a chance. The author's descriptions of kite fighting made it seem exciting and filled with action - akin to a basketball or football game. Life in 1473 South Korea was very interesting as well. As well-written and enjoyable as this book was, I think it would take a special 9-11 year old to pick up this book and want to read it based on my first paragraph.

[Jody Kyburz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally finished another book! This was another of the Battle of the Books list. I'm also using it for a reading comprehension lesson/final project for my reading endorsement. The vocabulary is a bit tough and unusual, but it's a great read about a couple of brothers flying kites in fourteenth century Korea. On a side note, my nephew just received his LDS mission call to serve in the Korea Seoul South Mission, so I'm sure my ear will be a bit more cocked to Korea related literature for the next while. How's that for a random review?

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The was a good story, and we were able to watch some videos about kite fighting to help the kids get a sense of the story. I thought this one was more for younger readers, and I felt like the summary was a bit misleading *spoiler alert* - getting the father's permission for the younger son to fly in the contest was not a major part of the story. It is set in Korea in 1473, but felt very modern in speech and tone. Good, but not my favorite of all that we've read.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars I enjoyed this a little more than See Saw Girl. Again, I love to see the parts of my mom's culture that were present in my own life. Stories like this also give me a little insight into how my mom grew up in Korea. One thought I kept having was that we are more alike than different. This tradition of kite fighting carried out by the young brothers in this story reminded me of The Kite Runner.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this aloud with my 12 year old son. Not very exciting for him. He lost interest and wanted to quit reading, but I made him finish. I enjoyed it even though it was slow. I love historical fiction, so it was interesting to me the culture of the story. I think younger boys would like this story. Maybe ages 8-10.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another carpool selection that all the kids gave a thumbs up, though they don't want to live in a culture where kids have to be that respectful to olders including siblings (though the older two did have some fun trying to get the youngers talk like that).
I enjoyed both the story and the narrator's slight Asian accent. It is always a good reminder of how the world is a big place!

[Gracie Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a kid and it illustrates so well the culture of upholding family honor and dealing with pressure in that situation as well as staying true to who you are individually. The bond between brothers is written very well too

[Kati Atwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so incredibly bored with this book. It is less than 150 pages and took me 4 days. I guess kites aren't my thing.

[Fernanda Ledezma · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's easy to read and that's great

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept grinning with delight while listening to this audiobook. Young-sup and Kee-sup, two Korean brothers are eager for the New Year's Kite Festival. Young-sup is the better kite flyer but as the eldest Kee-sup is supposed to receive the honor. Who will actually fly in the contest? Then an unexpected friend makes a special request of the boys. This is a fascinating story of family life in Korean culture and the respect, friendship, and honor between brothers. This was such a fun book to listen too!

[Joy Musselman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely fantastic book! Well written, very engaging story about young Korean boys and their struggle with change, respect And tradition. I was very engaged with this story from the beginning and really appreciated its historical and character development content. highly recommend for any 10 - 12-year-old.

side note, this book inspired my son to take up kite flying. And He was pleased that this book gave him a good understanding of the techniques used in kite flying.

[Amy de Raaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both my son and I love this writer!! Such a compelling read, such a beautiful story of two brothers, Kee-Sup and Young-sup, who enter the New Year’s Eve kite festival competition in 1473, Seoul, Korea. It is a story of resilience and strength, of celebrating differences and finding hope in unexpected places.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of my kids loved this book. The book was well written and much more thought-provoking than I had anticipated. It provided some great discussions, gave insight into another culture, and highlighted the blessings and challenges of a relationship between two brothers. Would recommend for children and adults alike.

[Cathryn Johansson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient kite flying is the backdrop for a story that explores Korean culture, much of which is still relative today, as well as the friendship and love between two brothers. The author’s note at the end shows it is well researched. Give this book a try for your middle schoolers. The fact that many reviewers think it is “boring” is a reflection more on our current reading culture than on the quality of the book. My kids have all enjoyed it.

[Anna Mussmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to being a well-told and triumphant story, this book is a great way to help young readers see how someone could live and thrive in a culture with different values than our own.

I’ll probably get a copy of this one for my kids. Definitely suitable for elementary-aged students.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet book !

[Evan Yang · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first parts were kind of boring, but in the middle the story gets interesting,a very good book.

[Julie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to my 6, 8 and 10 year old then took them kite flying. My 6 year old pretended to be Young Sup when flying... Loved this book to discuss honor, teamwork, belief and family.

[Arden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok ? lol