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Golden Mountain Chronicles #5
Dragonwings
Moon Shadow was eight when he sailed from China to join his father Windrider in America. Windrider lived in San Francisco's Chinatown and worked in a laundry. Moon Shadow had never seen him.
But he soon loved and respected this father, a man of genius, a man with a fabulous dream. And with Moon Shadow's help, Windrider was willing to endure the mockery of the other Chinese, the poverty, and the longing for his wife and his own country to make his dream come true.
Inspired by the account of a Chinese immigrant who made a flying machine in 1909, Laurence Yep's historical novel beautifully portrays the rich traditions of the Chinese community as it made its way in a hostile new world.
248 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 1975
186 people are currently reading
2524 people want to read
About the author
Laurence Yep
120 books295 followersBorn June 14, 1948 in San Francisco, California, Yep was the son of Thomas Gim Yep and Franche Lee Yep. Franche Lee, her family's youngest child, was born in Ohio and raised in West Virginia where her family owned a Chinese laundry. Yep's father, Thomas, was born in China and came to America at the age of ten where he lived, not in Chinatown, but with an Irish friend in a white neighborhood. After troubling times during the Depression, he was able to open a grocery store in an African-American neighborhood. Growing up in San Francisco, Yep felt alienated. He was in his own words his neighborhood's "all-purpose Asian" and did not feel he had a culture of his own. Joanne Ryder, a children's book author, and Yep met and became friends during college while she was his editor. They later married and now live in San Francisco.
Although not living in Chinatown, Yep commuted to a parochial bilingual school there. Other students at the school, according to Yep, labeled him a "dumbbell Chinese" because he spoke only English. During high school he faced the white American culture for the first time. However, it was while attending high school that he started writing for a science fiction magazine, being paid one cent a word for his efforts. After two years at Marquette University, Yep transferred to the University of California at Santa Cruz where he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. He continued on to earn a Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. Today as well as writing, he has taught writing and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and Santa Barbara.
Although not living in Chinatown, Yep commuted to a parochial bilingual school there. Other students at the school, according to Yep, labeled him a "dumbbell Chinese" because he spoke only English. During high school he faced the white American culture for the first time. However, it was while attending high school that he started writing for a science fiction magazine, being paid one cent a word for his efforts. After two years at Marquette University, Yep transferred to the University of California at Santa Cruz where he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. He continued on to earn a Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. Today as well as writing, he has taught writing and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and Santa Barbara.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
January 9, 2022
Picked this up because of the promise of dragons, which are there, just not in the way you are expecting. I loved this book, and still do. Yep's descriptive writing still stays with me.
January 26, 2009
Summary: This novel tells the story of Moon Shadow's decision to leave the Middle Kingdom and come live in turn-of-the-century San Francisco with his father. It chronicles his life in America, first in the Tang people's part of the city (what white people call Chinatown), and then living alone with his father among the "demons," as he considers white people.
Response: I have never read a Laurence Yep book, and I am so glad I finally did. I will definitely read more. Aside from how much I enjoyed the narrative elements, I enjoyed the perspective-shift that Yep provided me as a white reader. He not only chooses a character who can provide me with a new perspective, but he uses language conventions in such a way as to jar me out of my usual position. For example, he refers to China and the Chinese people by the names they themselves would use (the Middle Kingdom, the T'ang people), and his main character constantly refers to white people as demons. He also italicizes all the American words in the book, a convention that usually highlights the "foreign" words in a story. The cumulative effect of this was to make me feel like the outsider, in a way, because from Moon Shadow's point of view, my familiar world is his foreign world. many writers of immigrant stories convey that very well, but I really enjoyed how Yep accomplished this goal in a very specific way. It is the same reason that I enjoyed the reading experience, as well as the information, in A to Zen, where the book is not only about Japan, but is laid out in a Japanese book format.
HISTORICAL FICTION
Response: I have never read a Laurence Yep book, and I am so glad I finally did. I will definitely read more. Aside from how much I enjoyed the narrative elements, I enjoyed the perspective-shift that Yep provided me as a white reader. He not only chooses a character who can provide me with a new perspective, but he uses language conventions in such a way as to jar me out of my usual position. For example, he refers to China and the Chinese people by the names they themselves would use (the Middle Kingdom, the T'ang people), and his main character constantly refers to white people as demons. He also italicizes all the American words in the book, a convention that usually highlights the "foreign" words in a story. The cumulative effect of this was to make me feel like the outsider, in a way, because from Moon Shadow's point of view, my familiar world is his foreign world. many writers of immigrant stories convey that very well, but I really enjoyed how Yep accomplished this goal in a very specific way. It is the same reason that I enjoyed the reading experience, as well as the information, in A to Zen, where the book is not only about Japan, but is laid out in a Japanese book format.
HISTORICAL FICTION
February 12, 2012
This is an enjoyable tale of a young Chinese boy who travels to the US to be with his father. His father longs to fly and begins a correspondence with the Wright Brothers. I'll spare the details of his quest to avoid spoilers, but honestly, that part of the plot seems to take a back seat to what I felt the true message of the story is.
The author calls Dragonwings an historical fantasy. It is loosely based on a Chinese man who did actually create a flying machine that stayed airborne for 20 minutes in the early 1900's. Few details remain about that man, so the author intertwined his character with other stories of what life was like for the Chinese immigrants back then.
I love stories like this that invite the reader to see the world from another perspective. I love the beauty of various cultures and I love stories of friendships that form, allowing different individuals to understand each other a little better and see how those cultural beliefs and practices influence the human being behind them.
Too often, we define others by the strange differences we perceive. A Hasidic Jew might seem weird, with his dark suit, tzitzits, sidelocks, and beard. It can be hard to figuratively see past the burqa worn by a Muslim woman. And in the case of this book, one might have been blinded by the stereotypes about the china-men "stealing jobs from Americans" while building railroads or washing clothes.
In the end, we're all people. People with families and dreams. People who draw strength and understanding from traditional stories, religion, or folklore. People trying to survive. And in the most beautiful cases - people working hard to realize a dream.
Wow, this review got soap-boxy in a hurry. Anyway, I recommend this story. It's not on my top ten list, but it did make my commute much more enjoyable over the last week or so.
The author calls Dragonwings an historical fantasy. It is loosely based on a Chinese man who did actually create a flying machine that stayed airborne for 20 minutes in the early 1900's. Few details remain about that man, so the author intertwined his character with other stories of what life was like for the Chinese immigrants back then.
I love stories like this that invite the reader to see the world from another perspective. I love the beauty of various cultures and I love stories of friendships that form, allowing different individuals to understand each other a little better and see how those cultural beliefs and practices influence the human being behind them.
Too often, we define others by the strange differences we perceive. A Hasidic Jew might seem weird, with his dark suit, tzitzits, sidelocks, and beard. It can be hard to figuratively see past the burqa worn by a Muslim woman. And in the case of this book, one might have been blinded by the stereotypes about the china-men "stealing jobs from Americans" while building railroads or washing clothes.
In the end, we're all people. People with families and dreams. People who draw strength and understanding from traditional stories, religion, or folklore. People trying to survive. And in the most beautiful cases - people working hard to realize a dream.
Wow, this review got soap-boxy in a hurry. Anyway, I recommend this story. It's not on my top ten list, but it did make my commute much more enjoyable over the last week or so.
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May 9, 2021After reading “Dragonwings” I noticed how there is an issue of races between the Tang’s man and Americans. It seems like the Americans known as the “demons” are all evil. Yet, I don’t see it like that. I think the dragons represent the “demons.” As Moon Shadow said, “Dragons can be good and bad.” So are the “Demons”, some are kind while others are not. There is no absolute. For example, Ms. Whitlaw. She is the one who shares milk and cookies with Moon Shadow. She is the one who stands up for Moon Shadow when Robin teases. She is the one that helps Moon shadow learn English. She is the “Kind dragon”. On the other hand, the white soldiers. They were the ones who killed the Tang’s people for no reason. They were the ones who robbed the Chinese. They were the ones who kicked the Tang’s people out of the camps after the earthquake. They’re the demons. The dragons with sharp claws and a crazy, unreasonable mind.
Not all things are black and white. Nothing is absolute, and things can always change. Moon Shadow learns how to be friends with the "demons" and not judge them by their race. That can be hard to do. People like to sort things into groups. Yet, we should all learn to be like Moon Shadow and learn to accept new things.
Not all things are black and white. Nothing is absolute, and things can always change. Moon Shadow learns how to be friends with the "demons" and not judge them by their race. That can be hard to do. People like to sort things into groups. Yet, we should all learn to be like Moon Shadow and learn to accept new things.
April 7, 2017
Eih it was ok. It was a good plot but hard to want to read consistency.
July 25, 2022
“I wanted to show that Chinese-Americans are human beings upon whom America has had a unique effect.”
This book would be great to use in the classroom as it shows historical events from the early 1900’s through the perspective of a young Chinese boy and his father and the struggles they face. The book followed a young boy over the course of seven years (1903-1910) which allowed for a lot of great character development.
This book would be great to use in the classroom as it shows historical events from the early 1900’s through the perspective of a young Chinese boy and his father and the struggles they face. The book followed a young boy over the course of seven years (1903-1910) which allowed for a lot of great character development.
June 16, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. It's listed as appropriate for 10+ year olds, which I think I would have to agree. But I really appreciated that it didn't talk down to the reader but rather, it felt like he was challenging the reader to think bigger than "normal".
As I am moving to China and learning more about the culture and traditions of these people, I was quite excited to read about the various festivals and holidays Moon Shadow celebrated throughout his story. It actually reminded me a lot of All-in-the-Family books, which teach about various Jewish culture.
The story is loosely based on an actual historical figure (a Chinese man did really improve upon the Wright brothers airplane in the US). So this really appealed to my love for historical fiction.
This book is actually Book 3 in a series. The series spans 150 years of one family's journey from China to the US. It deals with how life was like for these families without caricaturizing or stereotyping any one person. There are good Americans, but Yep doesn't shy away from portraying the ugly ones either. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. It ends with a modern-day Chinese American dealing with the problems (and rewards) of integrating into two very distinct cultures--trying to remain true to their Chinese heritage while accepting their stature as an American.
I highly recommend this series. My husband, who's Chinese, also really enjoyed this story. He was very excited when he read it as Yep portrayed the characters and settings accurately. His main compliment for the story was that he could picture it in his mind--the characters, the clothing, the buildings, etc. He also has spent a lot of time in San Francisco (which is the setting for the story), so he really enjoyed that aspect as well.
As I am moving to China and learning more about the culture and traditions of these people, I was quite excited to read about the various festivals and holidays Moon Shadow celebrated throughout his story. It actually reminded me a lot of All-in-the-Family books, which teach about various Jewish culture.
The story is loosely based on an actual historical figure (a Chinese man did really improve upon the Wright brothers airplane in the US). So this really appealed to my love for historical fiction.
This book is actually Book 3 in a series. The series spans 150 years of one family's journey from China to the US. It deals with how life was like for these families without caricaturizing or stereotyping any one person. There are good Americans, but Yep doesn't shy away from portraying the ugly ones either. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. It ends with a modern-day Chinese American dealing with the problems (and rewards) of integrating into two very distinct cultures--trying to remain true to their Chinese heritage while accepting their stature as an American.
I highly recommend this series. My husband, who's Chinese, also really enjoyed this story. He was very excited when he read it as Yep portrayed the characters and settings accurately. His main compliment for the story was that he could picture it in his mind--the characters, the clothing, the buildings, etc. He also has spent a lot of time in San Francisco (which is the setting for the story), so he really enjoyed that aspect as well.
November 1, 2009
I'm given to dissing teachers who assign the same old book year after year, and this is the umpteenth time I've read 'Dragonwings' because it was assigned to a middle schooler with whom I was working. 'Dragonwings,' however, is just the greatest of novels on so many levels--as an historical novel, an adventure novel, a multicultural novel, a coming-of-age novel. I love it, and each time I read it, gain more from the reading. 'Dragonwings' encompasses everything from the 'I Ching' to E. Nesbit, opium to aviation, and Yep has stellar style. So I guess I would say to those fusty pedagogues who pedantically prescribe their perennial books over and over again, stop doing that! Get a new perspective on things and the children you teach! Grow a little! But if you just can't, at least use books like this one. Highly recommended, just not as regularly required reading.
October 3, 2021
I read this as I'm assigned to lead a class discussion on it in my children's literature class next week, but I honestly liked this way more than I was expecting to. I wasn't expecting this book to touch on dark topics like opium addiction and racism, but it did and handled them all well. The relationships between the characters in this book were really well developed and beautiful. I wish I'd read this as a kid!
March 25, 2008
A man and his son coming to understand each other, their adopted homeland and the power of flight in earthquake-ravaged 1903 San Francisco.
Read for work - Loved it!
Read for work - Loved it!
April 16, 2022
It's a young readers' book, and the fifth in a series, so you should know those things going in. Yep's style reminds me of the historical fiction I used to read when I was a kid, and since it was around then, that makes sense. Kids' literature at the time (I'm thinking here primarily of The Great Brain books and From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler) had this very "this thing happens and then this thing happens, and we reacted, and then..." matter-of-fact flow where emotions, when highlighted, were not dwelled upon, and events were as clearly described as possible and the stories had to carry the weight. This one does.
I only picked it up in the 1st place (and I had to buy a physical copy, as there was no digital available to me) because it has recently come under fire by Moms4Censorship and other wrongheaded organizations because the Tang (Chinese) people in the book consistently refer to white people as "demons." White demons of today are worried that their children might feel uncomfortable with another culture's characterization of them from more than 100 years ago, despite the long history of abuse of Asians by white people AND the nuanced explanation of how "demon" is used in the text.
I enjoyed the book, but then, I enjoy reading about people and things unlike the people and things with whom & which I'm already acquainted. I was taught that this was one of the primary goals of reading, not simply absorbing more words that bolster your already established POV. I recommend Dragonwings to any reader above the age of maybe 8 or 9, and no, you do not need to have read the previous 4 books to enjoy it.
I only picked it up in the 1st place (and I had to buy a physical copy, as there was no digital available to me) because it has recently come under fire by Moms4Censorship and other wrongheaded organizations because the Tang (Chinese) people in the book consistently refer to white people as "demons." White demons of today are worried that their children might feel uncomfortable with another culture's characterization of them from more than 100 years ago, despite the long history of abuse of Asians by white people AND the nuanced explanation of how "demon" is used in the text.
I enjoyed the book, but then, I enjoy reading about people and things unlike the people and things with whom & which I'm already acquainted. I was taught that this was one of the primary goals of reading, not simply absorbing more words that bolster your already established POV. I recommend Dragonwings to any reader above the age of maybe 8 or 9, and no, you do not need to have read the previous 4 books to enjoy it.
May 15, 2021
This book doesn't feel the slightest bit realistic; however, it's a decent book that was enjoyable in some ways. Most of the time, I was pretty bored. In the beginning of the book, Moonshadow is face to face with his father who he has never met before. He leaps into his father's arms and there's no tension. Meeting a stranger should be awkward. When meeting a stranger, you don't just leap into his/her arms. Sure, they're family, but they've never met. I admit, I would hug my father if I've just met him, but after that it would be awkward. However, in the book, it seems as if the father had never left China to go to America. I also didn't like how the author kept repeating the conflict between the Tang men and Americans or "demons". This was particularly annoying and wasn't even needed. The book would have had a way better flow if the author would have just left out the minor details. Moonshadow looking at stained glass isn't important to the plot whatsoever. Sure, it explained how the dragons are different from how the Tang men view dragons, but it shouldn't be taking up two pages of the book. These two pages could have explained bigger things like where has Black Dog gone? Why does Uncle always feel the need to vent to others around him? Why is Moonshadow so obedient to a "stranger"? There were so many places where these questions could have been answered in a precise manner, and not in a sloppy, one-sentence way. This book has quite a few things that I hate about it, but it's a book and I'm not going to keep complaining. It actually has a few valuable lessons hidden underneath the plant, or the overall plot. For example, your family can guide you, but only you can make your decisions. This theme is continuous throughout the book and is probably the main thing keeping up the plant: the roots. Overall, I thought this book was quite sloppy and annoying, but could be enjoyable at some parts. This could be because I was assigned to read this or just because I think it's bad in general. If you like to read historical fiction, I would recommend this book to you, and I hope you'll like it, because I sure didn't.
April 5, 2009
Moon Shadow, an 8-year-old Chinese boy, migrates to America to join his father Windrider. The father and son meet for the first time in their life because Windrider sails to Aemrica before Moon Shadow was born. Seeing his own father as a stranger at first, Moon Shadow learns to love and respect his father as time passes. They together make a living by doing laundry for the "white demons" as they called.
I was a little disappointed by this book because I was looking forward to learn more about the Chinese culture and making connections to it. However, as it turns out, it's different from what I have expected. The story focuses on the Chinese immigration during the late 1800s and the life of the immigrants in San Francisco. There are places where the events described are very similar to what I have learned in class. Many of the Americans viewed the Chinese as foreigner or "aliens" and treated them poorly and without respect. Sometimes I found this book boring because of the details and confusing names.
I was a little disappointed by this book because I was looking forward to learn more about the Chinese culture and making connections to it. However, as it turns out, it's different from what I have expected. The story focuses on the Chinese immigration during the late 1800s and the life of the immigrants in San Francisco. There are places where the events described are very similar to what I have learned in class. Many of the Americans viewed the Chinese as foreigner or "aliens" and treated them poorly and without respect. Sometimes I found this book boring because of the details and confusing names.
October 10, 2011
Dragonwings was a fantastic book. It is a historical fiction, and based very loosely on the true life a Chinese inventor and aviator who lived in San Francisco in the early 1900s. Most is fictional as very little is known about the real Fung Joe Guey.
The book is filled with wonderful characters, dialog, and life lessons. Descriptions of events like the 1906 San Francisco earthquake are realistic and full of life. The story is told from the perspective of a young Chinese boy, who full of misunderstanding and prejudice, sees white culture through a justifiably tainted lens. The protagonist isn't dragged over a steep plot arch. There's no grand climax. Instead, he's faced with a constant onslaught of trial and conflict which he bravely faces, and in spite of all, never ceases to see beauty in the world in which he lives.
Dragonwings is a wonderful story. Those who might be interested in living, for a few days, in the life of a young Chinese immigrant in 1900s San Francisco, can find what they're looking for here.
The book is filled with wonderful characters, dialog, and life lessons. Descriptions of events like the 1906 San Francisco earthquake are realistic and full of life. The story is told from the perspective of a young Chinese boy, who full of misunderstanding and prejudice, sees white culture through a justifiably tainted lens. The protagonist isn't dragged over a steep plot arch. There's no grand climax. Instead, he's faced with a constant onslaught of trial and conflict which he bravely faces, and in spite of all, never ceases to see beauty in the world in which he lives.
Dragonwings is a wonderful story. Those who might be interested in living, for a few days, in the life of a young Chinese immigrant in 1900s San Francisco, can find what they're looking for here.
July 15, 2022
Rating 3 Stars / (Assigned reading)
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At first, I thought it was okay, but when the story progressed, rather slowly, I thought it was kind of slow-paced. It also seemed like the author made the characters meet just for the purpose to be used later, not for emotional or mental thought. And the story didn't even seem to be about Moon Shadow, for as much of the story is his, his father's parts probably triple it. I also got rather annoyed at something his father does in particular. You may know that Moon Shadow is shipped off to America to live with his father because he wants him to come but he acts like he's not even there sometimes.
There is also another problem: the rating. It's rated 10+ but really shouldn't be. They mention prostitutes, drugs, murder (not just mention, it actually happens right in front of the main character), and bad language. Is that what 10 yr olds should be reading about? They may need to know those things but not that soon. 12+ at least.
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At first, I thought it was okay, but when the story progressed, rather slowly, I thought it was kind of slow-paced. It also seemed like the author made the characters meet just for the purpose to be used later, not for emotional or mental thought. And the story didn't even seem to be about Moon Shadow, for as much of the story is his, his father's parts probably triple it. I also got rather annoyed at something his father does in particular. You may know that Moon Shadow is shipped off to America to live with his father because he wants him to come but he acts like he's not even there sometimes.
There is also another problem: the rating. It's rated 10+ but really shouldn't be. They mention prostitutes, drugs, murder (not just mention, it actually happens right in front of the main character), and bad language. Is that what 10 yr olds should be reading about? They may need to know those things but not that soon. 12+ at least.
October 9, 2013
My daughter read this book for school, so I decided to read along with her. Since I was reading this with my 4th grader, I was a little appalled by the details on opium use and "normalcy" of kids drinking alcohol. We had quite a few discussions on how both are wrong (including small amounts), even if the world (and books) find it acceptable. I'm not sure what I would rate the book if I wasn't reading it with my child, but since I found the material inappropriate for her, I gave the book a 1.
February 14, 2013
I though dragonwings was a pretty good book I don't know what. I liked about the book and what I didn't but it was pretty decent book
January 25, 2022
Read for the Newbery club in Children's Books group Jan 2022.
Liked it much better than expected.
The boy seems a little older, more insightful, than is realistic, but then it is told as if a memoir, so the adult perceptions influence the memories, so to speak.
I love all the details that make the setting and the variety of characters come alive.
And I learned new things, for example that a lot of ppl. thought the Wright brothers were "humbugs" and didn't actually make that first flight. And that some of the "soldiers" sent to the streets after the Earthquake to control looters did loot cigars, alcohol, and valuables.
I love the fact that the boy's Chinese language is presented in English so we can read it, but the demons' language, the speech of the Americans, the American names, and the untranslatable words, are presented in italics, so we can see which words are harder to learn. And we never learn what "Windrider" or "Moon Shadow" or "Hand Clap" look like or sound like in the original Chinese, and that's ok.
We don't learn enough about China. We learn that the Tang do not like the Manchu at all, even after centuries, and we can infer that life for the common people is very hard since they have to send the men across a great ocean for years to earn money to send home, but that's about it.
It is the middle book of a loose 'series' by the author, and though I appreciate this, I'm not keen to read the others. Probably because I'm so tired of juvenile historical fiction, especially the kind that has so many bad things happen to the families. This has a bit of humor, a bit of joy & hope, but not enough for me.
It absolutely deserves Newbery recognition... I've not read the winner, The Grey King, as it's fourth in a series that does not interest me, but I'm sure this is at least as valuable.
"Another thing to say for the demoness was her genuine interest in learning about people as people. Where some idiot like myself would have been smug and patronizing, the demoness really wanted to learn."
Liked it much better than expected.
The boy seems a little older, more insightful, than is realistic, but then it is told as if a memoir, so the adult perceptions influence the memories, so to speak.
I love all the details that make the setting and the variety of characters come alive.
And I learned new things, for example that a lot of ppl. thought the Wright brothers were "humbugs" and didn't actually make that first flight. And that some of the "soldiers" sent to the streets after the Earthquake to control looters did loot cigars, alcohol, and valuables.
I love the fact that the boy's Chinese language is presented in English so we can read it, but the demons' language, the speech of the Americans, the American names, and the untranslatable words, are presented in italics, so we can see which words are harder to learn. And we never learn what "Windrider" or "Moon Shadow" or "Hand Clap" look like or sound like in the original Chinese, and that's ok.
We don't learn enough about China. We learn that the Tang do not like the Manchu at all, even after centuries, and we can infer that life for the common people is very hard since they have to send the men across a great ocean for years to earn money to send home, but that's about it.
It is the middle book of a loose 'series' by the author, and though I appreciate this, I'm not keen to read the others. Probably because I'm so tired of juvenile historical fiction, especially the kind that has so many bad things happen to the families. This has a bit of humor, a bit of joy & hope, but not enough for me.
It absolutely deserves Newbery recognition... I've not read the winner, The Grey King, as it's fourth in a series that does not interest me, but I'm sure this is at least as valuable.
"Another thing to say for the demoness was her genuine interest in learning about people as people. Where some idiot like myself would have been smug and patronizing, the demoness really wanted to learn."
April 19, 2021
Dragonwings, a story about Windrider and Moon Shadow; dragonwings, their wings to their destination, to be once again united with his family. This is a heart-touching book that talks about their immigration as no matter how far you are away, your family is always there waiting for you. I would recommend this book to everyone even if you aren't interested in the Chinese immigration. Many people can connect to this as many of us are not in the country where most of our families are. But do always remember that they will always be supporting you.
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May 5, 2021The theme that the book "dragonwings" has is very clear. Nothing can ever stop a person from reaching their dream. The main character moon shadow has dreamed of flying in the sky the moment he saw a kite. He dreamed of flying in the sky when he came to America. He dreamed of flying when he met his father. He dreamed of flying when he met the earthquake. He never stopped dreaming, and was able to achieve his goal.
February 23, 2025
This is the 2nd book by Lawrence Yep that I've read. I love his writing and stories based on history. This takes place in San Francisco during the Wright brothers first flight and the 1906 earthquake.
I loved the way we learned how the Chinese viewed our culture and country back in that era. This was right after there was a huge prejudice against the Chinese in North America.
Highly recommend this as a great read!
I loved the way we learned how the Chinese viewed our culture and country back in that era. This was right after there was a huge prejudice against the Chinese in North America.
Highly recommend this as a great read!
January 19, 2019
Definitely liked and disliked this book. *sighs*
I liked the historical and cultural aspects of the novel, but didn't find the storyline super engaging
I liked the historical and cultural aspects of the novel, but didn't find the storyline super engaging
November 7, 2024
Wonderful book to read I didn't wanna put it down
September 27, 2025
Great book about Chinese immigrants to America and the challenges they faced.
September 19, 2017
Dragon Wings
I read this book in the beginning of 2017. This book is a historical fiction. It was a true story that happened in the early 19 hundred. This book talks about an 8-year-old boy named Moon Shadow. When I got this book from my teacher the cover was plain. I didn’t want to read at first but, as I read the story it got more and more interesting. The best part in the story was when he made the airplane and flew it on the top of the mountain with his father. It felt very touching when his family flew the airplane with him. It was touching because the family didn’t support the main character’s dreams at first and the boy never gave up. A pretty good book.
I read this book in the beginning of 2017. This book is a historical fiction. It was a true story that happened in the early 19 hundred. This book talks about an 8-year-old boy named Moon Shadow. When I got this book from my teacher the cover was plain. I didn’t want to read at first but, as I read the story it got more and more interesting. The best part in the story was when he made the airplane and flew it on the top of the mountain with his father. It felt very touching when his family flew the airplane with him. It was touching because the family didn’t support the main character’s dreams at first and the boy never gave up. A pretty good book.
April 4, 2021
Okay, confession time... I'm not actually 100% sure I've read this book twice.
I know I read a book by Yep when I was young, and that it had 'Dragon' in the title. I'm pretty sure I checked it out from the library at the university where my mom taught at the time. For a long time I was convinced that this was that book, and I wanted to reread it, because it involved an actual dragon, and a quest to a mystical land-
Yeah, I'm pretty sure what I actually read was Dragon of the Lost Sea.
Dragonwings is nothing like the book that I remember reading. It's historical fiction about Chinese immigrants in San Francisco, inspired by the story of Feng Ru, though notably not adherent to the details. Ultimately, the heart of the story is the immigrant experience, seen through the eyes of Moon Shadow as he comes of age in an unfamiliar culture. It's a complex thing, neither wholly good or wholly bad, as characters face racism and violence but also engage in genuine cultural exchange. The narrative is more of a portrait than a deep dive, but it's an evocative snapshot of a particular place and time.
It's good middle grade historical fiction, and I could see this being a great book to use in education as a window into larger conversations about cultural interactions and interaction.
I know I read a book by Yep when I was young, and that it had 'Dragon' in the title. I'm pretty sure I checked it out from the library at the university where my mom taught at the time. For a long time I was convinced that this was that book, and I wanted to reread it, because it involved an actual dragon, and a quest to a mystical land-
Yeah, I'm pretty sure what I actually read was Dragon of the Lost Sea.
Dragonwings is nothing like the book that I remember reading. It's historical fiction about Chinese immigrants in San Francisco, inspired by the story of Feng Ru, though notably not adherent to the details. Ultimately, the heart of the story is the immigrant experience, seen through the eyes of Moon Shadow as he comes of age in an unfamiliar culture. It's a complex thing, neither wholly good or wholly bad, as characters face racism and violence but also engage in genuine cultural exchange. The narrative is more of a portrait than a deep dive, but it's an evocative snapshot of a particular place and time.
It's good middle grade historical fiction, and I could see this being a great book to use in education as a window into larger conversations about cultural interactions and interaction.
September 24, 2009
A juvenile fiction book about 8 year old Moon Shadow from China who joins his father in San Francisco at the beginning of the 20th Century. His father, Windrider, kite maker extraordinaire, had been in America since before Moon Shadow was born because their own national government and society couldn't or wouldn't provide employment or means for families to survive. America was a land of promise for them and provided the means of supporting their families in China. Windrider worked in a laundry run by the Company but dreamed of being a dragon and flying. While most of the Company didn't plan on ever bringing their families to America, Windrider worked for that goal. The book deals with many adult issues which would be hard for young readers to comprehend--prostitution, Chinese gangs, opium, family separation, earthquake and fire disaster and death. Racism was obvious from both sides. Also includes swearing as Moon Shadow becomes more proficient in English. One aspect overlooked in the reviews I read was the love and acceptance of Miss Whitlaw and Robin and the kindness of other Americans.
This would be a good book for families to share together. And they should also fly kites together when they read it.
This would be a good book for families to share together. And they should also fly kites together when they read it.
January 26, 2016
I don't know why exactly but I felt overcome with emotion after finishing this. I read the play version for a class and it only took me about an hour. This tale takes place in the early twentieth century and follows a young boy, Moon Shadow, who moves from China to San Francisco to live and work with his father. Moon Shadow soon realizes that California is not the mythical "Land of the Golden Mountains" that he'd heard so much about, but rather a foreign space filled with hostile natives and horrible prejudices. It was both painful and inspiring to witness Moon Shadow struggle but accomplish in sustaining pride for where he came from, and to see both him and his father hold onto their dream to fly like the dragons, even in the midst of intolerance and devestation. I noticed that some people have mentioned that it was slow paced and perhaps it was, but I had no trouble keeping interest because I cared so much about the well-being of the character. I really enjoyed this and I feel like this is one of those stories that stay with you for a long, long time. The only bothersome bit is how swiftly the "climax" and "resolution" (if you can call it that) came and went. These story structures seemed to exist only within the last few pages. It isn't a huge issue though.
October 19, 2015
For me this reminds me of the hard work that my grand-parents had to do for me to be here right now. It is a story about a boy who's father is in america and now he wants to me meet his father so he goes on this joureny to find his father. Once he is there they have a good time but other people do not like his father so bad things happen. then there was a big commotion in the story. Close to end (as you can see there is a plane that is on the cover) they fly there plane but bad things happen again.
June 11, 2021
"-There was some beauty to life after all, even if it was only the beauty of hope."
I read this book for school and I enjoyed it but I had my problems with it.
To begin with, the writing is 'okay' and sometimes very very boring; I skipped at least two full pages of the book because of how tedious it was.
The characters are all fine; Moon Shadow is not the most interesting of protagonists and neither is Windrider. I would of preferred to spend more time with side characters like The Whitlaw's or The Company. The story and plot are also 'okay.'
I read this book for school and I enjoyed it but I had my problems with it.
To begin with, the writing is 'okay' and sometimes very very boring; I skipped at least two full pages of the book because of how tedious it was.
The characters are all fine; Moon Shadow is not the most interesting of protagonists and neither is Windrider. I would of preferred to spend more time with side characters like The Whitlaw's or The Company. The story and plot are also 'okay.'
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