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Kite Rider: One Boys Haunted Journey to the Top of the Sky"
Excellent Book
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First published June 18, 2002
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About the author
Geraldine McCaughrean
349 books326 followersGeraldine McCaughrean is a British children's novelist. She has written more than 170 books, including Peter Pan in Scarlet (2004), the official sequel to Peter Pan commissioned by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the holder of Peter Pan's copyright. Her work has been translated into 44 languages worldwide. She has received the Carnegie Medal twice and the Michael L. Printz Award among others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
July 9, 2015
This was so boring; I literally had to force myself to read more than a couple of paragraphs at a time, and had this not been for a challenge, I would most definitely have given up by about page 20 (or never even started, for that matter.)
Aside from that, Haoyou drove me insane. He's one of the most irritating characters I have ever had the displeasure to read about. He is:
+ appallingly arrogant
+ gullible (I know he's seven years old, but come on)
+ immature (I know he's seven years old, but come on)
+ selfish - seriously! He cares about nobody but himself
+ know-it-all - another indication of his arrogance
+ and just plain stupid.
I hated him even more than Nora from Hush, Hush and Tally from Uglies, who were, before reading this book, my least favourite main characters of all time. And that's saying something.
In short, do not read this book if you value your brain cells. If you're game for some head-desking, hair-ripping and book-throwing, get a copy of The Kite Rider ASAP.
Ugh. Somebody get me some chocolate, and bring me back the wasted hours I spent reading this book.
Aside from that, Haoyou drove me insane. He's one of the most irritating characters I have ever had the displeasure to read about. He is:
+ appallingly arrogant
+ gullible (I know he's seven years old, but come on)
+ immature (I know he's seven years old, but come on)
+ selfish - seriously! He cares about nobody but himself
+ know-it-all - another indication of his arrogance
+ and just plain stupid.
I hated him even more than Nora from Hush, Hush and Tally from Uglies, who were, before reading this book, my least favourite main characters of all time. And that's saying something.
In short, do not read this book if you value your brain cells. If you're game for some head-desking, hair-ripping and book-throwing, get a copy of The Kite Rider ASAP.
Ugh. Somebody get me some chocolate, and bring me back the wasted hours I spent reading this book.
July 28, 2019
I have loved Geraldine McCaughrean's writing style in other of her children's book, and The Kite Rider did not disappoint on that level. She writes clearly but with interesting vocabulary that has the potential to excite children's interest in words. I was also intrigued by the historical time frame of the reign of Kubla Khan--an era about which I have little knowledge.
Unfortunately, beyond the setting and style, there was little that I could truly appreciate about this book. The frequent references to familial spiritualism (even when looked upon with a skeptical eye by some characters) would certainly give me pause in handing this book to a child. However, just as objectionable in my mind is the periodic questioning of submission to authority. While I do agree that strict, unquestioning Chinese veneration of elders can be an unhealthy extreme, I am always disappointed in children's books that ultimately side with the idea that young people should follow their own hearts and minds rather than submitting to the wisdom of others.
Part of the reason this book makes submission to elders such an unappealing choice is that most of the characters in the book fall somewhere between unsympathetic and downright nasty. Certainly, Great-Uncle Bo and first mate Di Chou are both of the mustache-twirling villain type, but I couldn't even particularly bring myself to like the protagonist, Haoyou, whose impulsive, selfish, or risky behaviors never seem to lead him to any worthwhile self-realizations.
Moreover, the plot--which certainly had room for many thrills and tense moments--was not as engaging as one might have hoped. It felt more like one minor episode after another rather than a crafted whole building to a climax.
This book sadly confirms a trend I've noted in which award-winning books that adults think children will love are not actually all that engaging. The ingredients may be there, but the flavors don't marry as they ought to provide a mouth-watering reading experience.
Unfortunately, beyond the setting and style, there was little that I could truly appreciate about this book. The frequent references to familial spiritualism (even when looked upon with a skeptical eye by some characters) would certainly give me pause in handing this book to a child. However, just as objectionable in my mind is the periodic questioning of submission to authority. While I do agree that strict, unquestioning Chinese veneration of elders can be an unhealthy extreme, I am always disappointed in children's books that ultimately side with the idea that young people should follow their own hearts and minds rather than submitting to the wisdom of others.
Part of the reason this book makes submission to elders such an unappealing choice is that most of the characters in the book fall somewhere between unsympathetic and downright nasty. Certainly, Great-Uncle Bo and first mate Di Chou are both of the mustache-twirling villain type, but I couldn't even particularly bring myself to like the protagonist, Haoyou, whose impulsive, selfish, or risky behaviors never seem to lead him to any worthwhile self-realizations.
Moreover, the plot--which certainly had room for many thrills and tense moments--was not as engaging as one might have hoped. It felt more like one minor episode after another rather than a crafted whole building to a climax.
This book sadly confirms a trend I've noted in which award-winning books that adults think children will love are not actually all that engaging. The ingredients may be there, but the flavors don't marry as they ought to provide a mouth-watering reading experience.
November 22, 2016
This book did not spike the kite in me, they could have made this book more exciting, and a better plot instead they went the other way and made this book totally boring.
March 8, 2019
Young Adult Fiction set during the time of Kublai Khan. The book addresses the tension between the Chinese and the Mongolian peoples under the reign of Kublai Khan; also the Confucian traditions of ancestor worship and obedience. The craft of kitemaking is key to the story line.
A 12 year old Chinese boy Haoyou witnesses his father's death, attempts to save his beautiful mother from a dreadful second marriage, and joins the circus as a kite rider. The notion of a kite rider is purely fictional. The author states she got the idea from the Chinese tradition of kitemaking and a Japanese use of manned kites to use as spies during warfare.
I enjoyed the story very much; it's a fast read.
A 12 year old Chinese boy Haoyou witnesses his father's death, attempts to save his beautiful mother from a dreadful second marriage, and joins the circus as a kite rider. The notion of a kite rider is purely fictional. The author states she got the idea from the Chinese tradition of kitemaking and a Japanese use of manned kites to use as spies during warfare.
I enjoyed the story very much; it's a fast read.
July 31, 2025
This is a children’s book so I should cut it some slack, but it’s not nearly as good as Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s books such as The War That Saved My Life. If you want to read a children’s book, opt for that instead. The positive is that I never knew that in ancient China they put men on kites to check for fair winds before boats set sail. So that was interesting, but basically this was a slog to get through. I listened on tape, and the main character’s voice was so whiney and high pitched it grated on me, and the Chinese gong and music in between chapters seemed contrived. There was some excitement, but I would just call this book “okay.” Maybe if I’d read it instead of listening on audio, it might have been a little better?
May 24, 2011
This book was required for my class way back in september, but I just got my goodreads account. I like the plotline of the stroy, but I found that it didn't draw me in enough. In the first place, we experience the story from a boy who is supposed to be thirteen, but acts about the age of two most of the time. We are always being swayed by his horribly biased perspective of what's going on. In addition, the character of mipeng was completely frustrating and biased. We were told that Mipeng was supposed to Haoyous friend, but she constantly chastized and hurt him and went behind his back to do things that uprooted all the happy settings in the story. The idea for the book was good, but of all the events that happened, most of them were to rare to happen in such close sequence, and the events themselves almost always had positive outcomes for him. The story was meant to leave readers with a bittersweet feeling, but instead left me feeling as if haoyou never got what he deserved (true unhappiness or punishment). I wish that the stupid Bo character would develope further as well, he was just placed there to add difficulties, which got to be very annoying.
July 27, 2025
This book was fine. It has all the parts that a book should have.
There were characters. They changed. There was an adventure. Things happened.
The best thing I can say about the book is that I now have a better idea of a time and place—being able to put characters to historical events—but I’m not even sure how accurate these events are, being told by a British author who claims that we should “not write about what you know, [but] write about what you want to know.” While I love the sentiment, something about reading historical fiction from an author not trained in history (but maybe she is..) just leaves an odd taste in my mouth.
There were characters. They changed. There was an adventure. Things happened.
The best thing I can say about the book is that I now have a better idea of a time and place—being able to put characters to historical events—but I’m not even sure how accurate these events are, being told by a British author who claims that we should “not write about what you know, [but] write about what you want to know.” While I love the sentiment, something about reading historical fiction from an author not trained in history (but maybe she is..) just leaves an odd taste in my mouth.
February 25, 2019
Creo que esta historia sería muchísimo más interesante si fuera contado desde el punto de vista de Mipeng (quién es la secundaria) que desde el punto de vista de Haoyou, quien logró fastidiarme más de una vez y quizá en los momentos más k de la historia.
Se salvan algunas buenas frases que se mencionan a lo largo del libro y el cuestionamiento sobre la obediencia ciega.
Pero honestamente, siendo un libro de Geraldine McCaughrean, esperaba un poco más.
Se salvan algunas buenas frases que se mencionan a lo largo del libro y el cuestionamiento sobre la obediencia ciega.
Pero honestamente, siendo un libro de Geraldine McCaughrean, esperaba un poco más.
January 28, 2022
I thought this book was very good and it taught me a lot. At certain parts I became very mad and other parts made me want to cry. Not gonna lie, I wasn't expecting this to be a good book, but now I want to own it.
March 13, 2023
This was a fun surprise for me! I didn’t have high hopes for it, but was definitely wrong! A great story!
February 18, 2025
Stunning storytelling!
June 1, 2018
I wish I could give half stars here; this would be a 3.5. It's a fun book and worth the read. As a non-Confucian, the characters' commitment to obedience was a little frustrating as a reader, but that simply indicates I was deep into the story and cared about the characters.
March 14, 2019
Good enough 2 finish reading. I admit it was kinda slow throughout some parts, but all in all it was really good.
Recommended ages 13 & up.
Recommended ages 13 & up.
December 11, 2021
Worst book ever. Ms Castillo's favourite book... Perhaps because it's one of the only 5 books she's read.
March 3, 2021
The Kite Rider is an engaging book set in roughly the 12th century, China. It provides an insight into daily life back then and includes some greedy, cruel characters along the way. I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction such as myself.
May 21, 2013
It's the 13th century. Kublai Khan has conquered China, spreading the Mongolian empire from Ukraine to Korea. His epoch-making attempt to invade Japan is about to get underway—the one that will end with Kublai's army at the bottom of the Yellow Sea, thanks to a storm that will go down in Japanese memory as "Kamikaze" (divine wind). At that crucial point in history—to the Eastern world what the sinking of the Spanish Armada was to the West—Gou Haoyou is a sailor's son living in the coastal village of Dagu, downriver from the great city of Dadu (now Beijing). Haoyou's father, Gou Pei, stirs the jealousy of another sailor named Di Chou, who wants Pei's beautiful wife for his own. So, before Haoyou's horrified eyes, Chou has Pei rigged to a makeshift kite and sent aloft to "test the wind" and see whether the spirits are in favor of their ship's journey. When the kite comes down, the ship seems to have won favor... but Gou Pei, overcome by terror, is dead.
This is only the beginning of many wild rises and falls in the fortunes of young Haoyou. In order to save his mother from having to marry Di Chou, he and his cousin Mipeng—widely thought to be a medium—get the bridegroom drunk and try to "shanghai" him on board an outgoing ship. To make sure the ship sails promptly, Haoyou volunteers to serve as the wind tester, willingly subjecting himself to the ordeal that killed his father. This adventuresome act brings him to the attention of Miao Jié, the master of a circus that is headed upriver towards Dadu, Xanadu, and the court of Kublai Khan. And so Haoyou, sometime kite-maker, new-made kite-rider, becomes an act in the Jade Circus.
During the troupe's upriver journey, Haoyou, Mipeng, the Miao, and their friends encounter resistance from villagers who place no value on entertainment. They face challenges to the supreme Confucian values of obedience and submission, especially on the part of youth towards their elders and of females toward males. The deal with a greedy great-uncle who abuses his position as head of the family to get hold of money, which he would then throw away in gambling dens. They find friendship among people of an alien culture, love in defiance of family policy, fame at the cost of danger and betrayal, and courage in the face of certain death.
Haoyou's small body takes a beating in this story of a child facing incredible danger, simply to entertain crowds. His faith in the spirits of his ancestors—especially of his beloved father—is tested to the breaking point. His loyalty to family is tried by the viciousness of Uncle Bo and the competing claims to his devotion by Mipeng, Miao Jié, and his own mother. And in the midst of a disaster that nearly finishes the Khan's power, Haoyou claims the strength and cleverness to make things right for his loved ones.
This fine, colorful novel from the author of Peter Pan in Scarlet moved me on many levels. Besides the obvious emotional impact of what happens to Haoyou, and what he does about it, the book is crammed with details that show the author's deep insight into human nature. The time, place, and culture depicted here will be fascinating and exotic to most readers, while they will recognize the same familiar humanity at the heart of it all. It's nothing if it isn't an inducement to read more books by Geraldine McCaughrean, such as The Stones Are Hatching, Tamburlaine's Elephants, The Death-Defying Pepper Roux, and The Glorious Adventures of the Sunshine Queen. Click here for a more complete list.
This is only the beginning of many wild rises and falls in the fortunes of young Haoyou. In order to save his mother from having to marry Di Chou, he and his cousin Mipeng—widely thought to be a medium—get the bridegroom drunk and try to "shanghai" him on board an outgoing ship. To make sure the ship sails promptly, Haoyou volunteers to serve as the wind tester, willingly subjecting himself to the ordeal that killed his father. This adventuresome act brings him to the attention of Miao Jié, the master of a circus that is headed upriver towards Dadu, Xanadu, and the court of Kublai Khan. And so Haoyou, sometime kite-maker, new-made kite-rider, becomes an act in the Jade Circus.
During the troupe's upriver journey, Haoyou, Mipeng, the Miao, and their friends encounter resistance from villagers who place no value on entertainment. They face challenges to the supreme Confucian values of obedience and submission, especially on the part of youth towards their elders and of females toward males. The deal with a greedy great-uncle who abuses his position as head of the family to get hold of money, which he would then throw away in gambling dens. They find friendship among people of an alien culture, love in defiance of family policy, fame at the cost of danger and betrayal, and courage in the face of certain death.
Haoyou's small body takes a beating in this story of a child facing incredible danger, simply to entertain crowds. His faith in the spirits of his ancestors—especially of his beloved father—is tested to the breaking point. His loyalty to family is tried by the viciousness of Uncle Bo and the competing claims to his devotion by Mipeng, Miao Jié, and his own mother. And in the midst of a disaster that nearly finishes the Khan's power, Haoyou claims the strength and cleverness to make things right for his loved ones.
This fine, colorful novel from the author of Peter Pan in Scarlet moved me on many levels. Besides the obvious emotional impact of what happens to Haoyou, and what he does about it, the book is crammed with details that show the author's deep insight into human nature. The time, place, and culture depicted here will be fascinating and exotic to most readers, while they will recognize the same familiar humanity at the heart of it all. It's nothing if it isn't an inducement to read more books by Geraldine McCaughrean, such as The Stones Are Hatching, Tamburlaine's Elephants, The Death-Defying Pepper Roux, and The Glorious Adventures of the Sunshine Queen. Click here for a more complete list.
March 16, 2020
This book was okay... I got kinda bored in the middle and was eager to finish it. 2.5 stars.
Recommended for ages 12+
Recommended for ages 12+
December 24, 2016
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
After his father dies in a kite riding accident, the last thing twelve-year-old Haoyou wants to do is take to the skies. When other plans for supporting his family are thwarted by his evil uncle, however, it becomes clear that his only means of escaping poverty is to join the circus as a kite rider. As he travels with the Jade Circus in service of the Great Miao, he wows audiences with his performances, and looks forward to one day showing off his skills for Kublai Khan, the Mongol conqueror.
This exciting, well-plotted coming-of-age tale is a thrilling read with many wonderful lessons. It illustrates the enmity between the Chinese and Mongol cultures, the role of the circus within society, and Kublai Khan's specific rules regarding punishment and forgiveness. Haoyou becomes slowly aware of some harsh truths about his family, which leads him to understand the benefits of questioning some forms of authority, and to realize the value of thinking for oneself. The heroic feats Haoyou is able to accomplish with his kite also show the power of always striving to do the right thing, no matter the consequences to oneself. There is much to learn from this book, which can be used to spark any number of interesting conversations.
Unlike many other historical fiction novels where nothing much happens, this book is truly action-packed. Though there are plenty of moments where Haoyou waxes philosophical about the state of his life, there is also a constant stream of excitement, including scenes involving theft, injury, and death. Haoyou is accompanied through much of the book by his cousin, Mipeng, who is believed to be a medium, even though she knows she can't truly speak to the gods, and she also has her share in the excitement, which is sure to please female readers of this otherwise largely male-dominated story.
I gasped out loud several times while reading this book, as the plot took unexpected twists and turns. McCaughrean really knows how to keep a reader interested, as every time I felt that Haoyou was the least bit secure, she would place another obstacle in his path and change his trajectory. Escaping from one situation often leads him into a worse one, and I had no choice but to keep reading to find out how he eventually finds a reasonably happy resolution. The short chapters also contribute to the quick pace of the story.
The Kite Rider is most appropriate for young readers in grades 6 to 8, and will appeal especially to readers interested in adventure and family stories. For another kite-themed novel (this one about contemporary Japanese characters), try Flying the Dragon.
After his father dies in a kite riding accident, the last thing twelve-year-old Haoyou wants to do is take to the skies. When other plans for supporting his family are thwarted by his evil uncle, however, it becomes clear that his only means of escaping poverty is to join the circus as a kite rider. As he travels with the Jade Circus in service of the Great Miao, he wows audiences with his performances, and looks forward to one day showing off his skills for Kublai Khan, the Mongol conqueror.
This exciting, well-plotted coming-of-age tale is a thrilling read with many wonderful lessons. It illustrates the enmity between the Chinese and Mongol cultures, the role of the circus within society, and Kublai Khan's specific rules regarding punishment and forgiveness. Haoyou becomes slowly aware of some harsh truths about his family, which leads him to understand the benefits of questioning some forms of authority, and to realize the value of thinking for oneself. The heroic feats Haoyou is able to accomplish with his kite also show the power of always striving to do the right thing, no matter the consequences to oneself. There is much to learn from this book, which can be used to spark any number of interesting conversations.
Unlike many other historical fiction novels where nothing much happens, this book is truly action-packed. Though there are plenty of moments where Haoyou waxes philosophical about the state of his life, there is also a constant stream of excitement, including scenes involving theft, injury, and death. Haoyou is accompanied through much of the book by his cousin, Mipeng, who is believed to be a medium, even though she knows she can't truly speak to the gods, and she also has her share in the excitement, which is sure to please female readers of this otherwise largely male-dominated story.
I gasped out loud several times while reading this book, as the plot took unexpected twists and turns. McCaughrean really knows how to keep a reader interested, as every time I felt that Haoyou was the least bit secure, she would place another obstacle in his path and change his trajectory. Escaping from one situation often leads him into a worse one, and I had no choice but to keep reading to find out how he eventually finds a reasonably happy resolution. The short chapters also contribute to the quick pace of the story.
The Kite Rider is most appropriate for young readers in grades 6 to 8, and will appeal especially to readers interested in adventure and family stories. For another kite-themed novel (this one about contemporary Japanese characters), try Flying the Dragon.
March 17, 2013
I enjoy historical fiction and reading about places I have been to or live in. Therefore choosing this book seemed a perfect match. Set in 13th century China, shortly after the Mongol invasion under Kublai Khan, a young boy is pulled into an incredible adventure. After witnessing the haunting death of his father, he gets taken in by the Jade Circus, as one of their star attractions, flying kites. With the circus, he travels from place to place, risking his life with each new flight. Eventually, word reaches the mighty Kublai Khan... So many issues get addressed in the book: the importance of children's obedience towards their parents in traditional Chinese societies, the (low) status of women, the feelings of the Chinese population towards the invaders. But ultimately, it's also a story that portrays the good and the evil in a classical way. It makes us wonder about the wickedness in some people, while giving us hope in the realization that no matter how bad a situation, there are always some people willing to risk everything for those they love. (You surely noticed that I marked it in both categories, children and YA - I think a mature fifth grader would be okay to read the book but I wouldn't recommend it to students below this grade level.)
April 18, 2008
I thought this was an interesting read set in Ancient China. It's a story centered on obedience. The main character Haoyou had never before questioned being obedient to his elders, but all of that changes on the day that he witnessed the terrible death of his father.
This author mixes a fictional story with facts from the time period the book is written.
This books is a winner of the Carnegie Medal.
This author mixes a fictional story with facts from the time period the book is written.
This books is a winner of the Carnegie Medal.
January 17, 2019
Proper page-turner with larger than life characters, good and bad.
Fulfils the basic requirements with ease:
Proper adventure
Interesting setting - people, places, events
Does not talk down
Action packed
What makes it a great story is the consistent writing, rich with emotional, cultural and psychological detail.
Emotional maturity required for a young reader to fully enjoy.
Fulfils the basic requirements with ease:
Proper adventure
Interesting setting - people, places, events
Does not talk down
Action packed
What makes it a great story is the consistent writing, rich with emotional, cultural and psychological detail.
Emotional maturity required for a young reader to fully enjoy.
November 12, 2014
I thought this book was pretty good. There was a lot of action but I did not really like the ending. In some places there was violence and some scary things but, Haoyou is my favorite character because he can fly.
December 24, 2017
Don't waste your time reading this when there's so many amazing books out there. There's literally nothing to gain. Easily one of the worst books I've ever read.
March 17, 2018
This book is the perfect story about the power of family, friendship, and duty. It is worth the time and definitely is one that is hard to put down.
The element of this book that stood out to me the most was the effectiveness of the conflicts clearly present. McCaughrean embedded so many extra sensory details that clearly separated protagonists from antagonists so that the conflicts were easy for the reader to understand. I also enjoyed how despite the fact that many of the conflicts between characters were implied, it helped me to better analyze them and have a deeper understanding of each one. For example, when Great Uncle Bo threatened to discipline Haoyou if he refused to give him the profits he earned from the Jade Circus, the author’s direct choice of words consequently allowed me to experience the conflict second hand, although I do feel that it would have been better if Haoyou had decided to resist his great uncle, and that way more tension could build up, making the conflict a bit more intense. I feel that in this part especially, it would have been better to include more details such as this. After reading this portion of the story, I was a bit disappointed and hoped that the author would elaborate on it later on in the book. It seemed to be all too quick in length for it to be as major of a conflict as it was, in my opinion.
In addition to the effective use of details to describe the conflict, I found the characterization very realistic and believable. Haoyou’s character was so well developed and I found that McCaughrean’s method of gradually revealing the true personality of him was very effective in helping the reader to closely analyze what kind of person Haoyou is. For instance, In the beginning of the story, I was expecting that first mate Di Chou would be one of the main characters, since he was one of the antagonists of the story, however, Great Uncle Bo and Great Auntie Mo almost seemed to replace Di Chou after he was “shanghaied” by Haoyou and Mipeng. Due to Bo and Mo becoming more principle characters than Di Chou, I felt that this was what made me hate Bo so much as his true personality was revealed. I definitely think that because Di Chou played such a major role in the beginning of the story that he should have had a bigger presence throughout the story, which could have consequently helped the reader to get to know him as a character. The same applies to Quing’an, Haoyou’s mother, and Wawa, his younger sister. They were introduced in the beginning of the story as some of the title characters that I assumed they would have accompanied Haoyou in his journey as a kite rider, however, when Haoyou left them behind to go with the Jade Circus, it became clear to me that they would be minor characters for the remainder of the story.
The entire story is told in third person, through the point of view of the author indirectly narrating Haoyou’s perspective. As I continued reading, I felt that it would be better if the entire story had been told in first person to give it another dimension of understanding Haoyou’s personality, and perhaps some of his innermost thoughts and feelings that the narrator didn’t share with the reader. The way it was told through the author’s perspective took away from the overall feeling of intimacy between the characters and the reader, in my opinion. For instance, I felt particularly strong about having a first person point of view when the author was narrating Haoyou’s first time working with the Great Miao in the Jade Circus because I think this part would have captured the reader’s attention better if Haoyou himself had been narrating this particular event. At times, it felt like I was getting very basic, superficial information about the most intense parts of the story, such as the climax and conflicts, which detracted from my understanding of the overall plot.
Although there were some things I wasn’t thrilled about with this book, this one is definitely a great read. Very heartwarming, and I strongly recommend it for anyone who loves historical fiction and adventure.
The element of this book that stood out to me the most was the effectiveness of the conflicts clearly present. McCaughrean embedded so many extra sensory details that clearly separated protagonists from antagonists so that the conflicts were easy for the reader to understand. I also enjoyed how despite the fact that many of the conflicts between characters were implied, it helped me to better analyze them and have a deeper understanding of each one. For example, when Great Uncle Bo threatened to discipline Haoyou if he refused to give him the profits he earned from the Jade Circus, the author’s direct choice of words consequently allowed me to experience the conflict second hand, although I do feel that it would have been better if Haoyou had decided to resist his great uncle, and that way more tension could build up, making the conflict a bit more intense. I feel that in this part especially, it would have been better to include more details such as this. After reading this portion of the story, I was a bit disappointed and hoped that the author would elaborate on it later on in the book. It seemed to be all too quick in length for it to be as major of a conflict as it was, in my opinion.
In addition to the effective use of details to describe the conflict, I found the characterization very realistic and believable. Haoyou’s character was so well developed and I found that McCaughrean’s method of gradually revealing the true personality of him was very effective in helping the reader to closely analyze what kind of person Haoyou is. For instance, In the beginning of the story, I was expecting that first mate Di Chou would be one of the main characters, since he was one of the antagonists of the story, however, Great Uncle Bo and Great Auntie Mo almost seemed to replace Di Chou after he was “shanghaied” by Haoyou and Mipeng. Due to Bo and Mo becoming more principle characters than Di Chou, I felt that this was what made me hate Bo so much as his true personality was revealed. I definitely think that because Di Chou played such a major role in the beginning of the story that he should have had a bigger presence throughout the story, which could have consequently helped the reader to get to know him as a character. The same applies to Quing’an, Haoyou’s mother, and Wawa, his younger sister. They were introduced in the beginning of the story as some of the title characters that I assumed they would have accompanied Haoyou in his journey as a kite rider, however, when Haoyou left them behind to go with the Jade Circus, it became clear to me that they would be minor characters for the remainder of the story.
The entire story is told in third person, through the point of view of the author indirectly narrating Haoyou’s perspective. As I continued reading, I felt that it would be better if the entire story had been told in first person to give it another dimension of understanding Haoyou’s personality, and perhaps some of his innermost thoughts and feelings that the narrator didn’t share with the reader. The way it was told through the author’s perspective took away from the overall feeling of intimacy between the characters and the reader, in my opinion. For instance, I felt particularly strong about having a first person point of view when the author was narrating Haoyou’s first time working with the Great Miao in the Jade Circus because I think this part would have captured the reader’s attention better if Haoyou himself had been narrating this particular event. At times, it felt like I was getting very basic, superficial information about the most intense parts of the story, such as the climax and conflicts, which detracted from my understanding of the overall plot.
Although there were some things I wasn’t thrilled about with this book, this one is definitely a great read. Very heartwarming, and I strongly recommend it for anyone who loves historical fiction and adventure.
February 1, 2023
This book is called "The Kite Rider", by Geraldine McCaughrean. It is not part of any series. I personally liked this book a lot because it showed how much the Chinese hated the "tartars," as they call the invaders in the book. This book also included the themes of how the older members of the family were evil, and tried to take everything, including things like their treasures. The old guy in the family also was controlling, and tried to get the fortune teller to tell a fortune that was not true. In summary of the book, the kid dad dies, who is a kite wind tester, and he decides to make kites to support the family. But then after his business is successful, his house burns down and destroys all of the kites he made.(This is the inciting incident.) Later in the book the circus master comes and offers him a job as a kite rider. He then takes the job and crashes his kite. Also he gets a sweet red and gold suit so that people watching can see him easy. One of the things I like about how the book is written is it is written from each days reflective, kind like he is writing in a Journal. An impression that the book left on me was how important the kid was to the circus, and how even if you are told all of your life that someone/group of people is bad, they may be wrong and they could be perfectly good. Another impression the book left on me was how evil the old uncle guy was, and how he was trying to manipulate the family into giving him money and other treasures. One thing I noticed about the mood in this book was how the tone started out sad and then it transferred to mad and happy. Also the mood was changed when the main character's dad died, and when he went from being a kite maker to being a kite rider(hence the name of the book). Overall this is an exiting, adventurous, story with many twists and turns. I would recommend this book to anyone, though it seems more aimed at middle grade readers.
June 5, 2025
Things I like: I like seeing medieval times in a location other than Europe. Most books are Europe based. The book doesn't drag, it has a fast pace. The main character has some growth I suppose.
Things I don't love: the main character has been taught to always honor his elders. Basically he doesn't seem to be able to think for himself because he feels he should just do what he's told. While I do agree that kids should be respectful to their parents and elders, the vibe in this book is that it's a negative thing because he always does this and when he begins to consider not always respecting his elders it's seen as glorified. However, the elders he's deciding to not obey are actually terrible people so there is that.
Like other books in the medieval times a main theme is courage. It's similar to the kings shadow in that the boy is scared and he learns to face that fear and does the hard thing anyway. I think courage might be a theme in most of the books we read this year.
This book also meanders a lot. I felt it could have ended sooner. At one point I was like, here it is, must be almost over, and then I saw I still had 45 minutes left of it. The end worked out and I suppose it was good but overall I'm not sure about using this book. Not terrible but not great either.
Things I don't love: the main character has been taught to always honor his elders. Basically he doesn't seem to be able to think for himself because he feels he should just do what he's told. While I do agree that kids should be respectful to their parents and elders, the vibe in this book is that it's a negative thing because he always does this and when he begins to consider not always respecting his elders it's seen as glorified. However, the elders he's deciding to not obey are actually terrible people so there is that.
Like other books in the medieval times a main theme is courage. It's similar to the kings shadow in that the boy is scared and he learns to face that fear and does the hard thing anyway. I think courage might be a theme in most of the books we read this year.
This book also meanders a lot. I felt it could have ended sooner. At one point I was like, here it is, must be almost over, and then I saw I still had 45 minutes left of it. The end worked out and I suppose it was good but overall I'm not sure about using this book. Not terrible but not great either.
July 29, 2023
I love all of McCaughrean's novels. Though classified as juvenile/young adult - they are riveting reads for old people, too! This story takes place in ancient China. Twelve-year-old Haoyou witnesses a sailor's death from testing the wind on a kite. This trauma shapes the boy's life. He becomes a gifted kite maker to support his family, and develops special techniques to be a kite rider. He gets sold to a circus by his uncle where he learns that people from different cultural backgrounds can be good friends. Full of wonderful historical context and impactful images. The scene where comrades commit to being rolled up into a carpet side by side is unforgettable. It is not over until it is over, and life goals can suddenly switch priorities. There is lots of character development, both in the writing style and the lives of the individuals. This is an especially good fit, I think, for a young voracious reader that is ready for some rich content.
July 4, 2025
This was a rather flowing reading somehow, but i am not sure how. I didn’t particularly enjoy the story, i didn’t like the characters (although i do think they were working well within the fiction of the story) and i was absolutely unimpressed by the writing style. I feel like i do, when i am in lazy mood, and can’t really do anything rather than watch another episode of “that show i am still watching, although it’s giving me absolutely nothing”. This actually - made me question whether we really need to have take-aways all the time. What if the point of some stories is none? Or even if there is, maybe, but it’s just uninteresting to us, personally? I need to sort out my thoughts on this. Might update my review later.
November 8, 2018
A very engaging version of the old boy-runs-away-to-join-the-circus story. The writing is in a different class to the other YA fiction I have recently read, extremely rich and inventive in metaphor. The setting, early Yuan dynasty China, is captured nicely, though credibility is strained somewhat as the worlds of the grimy, pariochial port (from where our hero, Haoyou, hails) and the Mongol emperor are somehow brought together. But, then again, dramatic licence can be flourished with great effect at times like this. It's not a saccharine story, either, so be prepared for some serious violence, physical and psychological (neither romanticised nor aestheticised nor glossed over), along the way. There is a decent balance of escapades, self-discovery, cynicism and adventure. I was just left wondering what I would have made of it as a YA.
August 23, 2021
A fascinating book, but it does require some patience. this is partly because of the remote setting- a distant in time and place East- and the unusual character names. However, once beyond this, the story is a whirligig of love, loss, betrayal and sacrifice. An orphaned boy is given the chance to become a fabled kite Rider for a circus and feels himself inc commune with the Gods and the Dead, high up in his solitary lair. The man who sent him there is not all he seems however, and a fate awaits the all in the court of the great Khan. A fantastic fantasy that speaks to the heart.
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