Dragonwings by Laurence Yep.

A.Bibliographic Data:
Yep, Laurence. 1975. Dragonwings. Harper Collins Publishers: New York, New York. ISBN 0-06-026737-2 ISBN 0-06-026738-0 (lib bdg.)

B. Plot Summary:
Dragonwings is a story of a young eight year old boy Moonshadow who joins his father Windrider in America. They both start working towards Windrider's dream of building a flying device and flying it. They live in a very tumultuous time when racism against the Chinese is prevalent. Moonshadow and Windrider leave the Company, which is their safety zone among their people to pursue Windrider's dream, and meet two “demonesses” whom they form a special bond with. The San Fransisco Earthquake alters their plans momentarily but they continue with them until they finally accomplish Windrider's dream.

C. Critical Analysis:
Laurence Yep accomplished his goal of providing his readers with a view of America as a Chinese immigrant eight year old child. This is evident in statements such as, “...I was so scared to death by the sound the cable made going through the raile of the cable car tracks; a steady rattling, clacking sound. I thought it was a dragon scrabbling at the surface with its claws, just about to break free”. He also provides a great deal of information, but it is not just thrown out into the story, he carefully explains every aspect of the Chinese culture that is embedded into the story. One example is the explanation of the “queue” and the tradition of being a symbol of Manchu oppression. Even if someone is not familiar with much of the Chinese traditions and culture they are able to understand it's significance through Laurence Yep's explanation. He provides the information without going to much into detail where it becomes confusing, but just the right amount to understand the point of that information fitting into the story. Throughout the story he uses these techniques to enlighten readers. He is a superb writer with fascinating skills.

D. Review Excerpt:
From School Library Journal:
“...The pursuit of this dream unifies the story which is enriched by Chinese Folklore, details of family relationships and problems of discrimination (the Chinese hate and fear the “demons” i.e., whites, who have made it dangerous for them to leave their enclave)...An unusual historical novel, unique in its perspective of the Chinese in America and its portrayal of early 20th-Century in America San Fransisco including the Earthquake, from an immigrant's viewpoint.” By Jane E. Gardner.


E. Connections
Provide students with general instructions and materials to build a kite and have them work in groups and put it together.

Have students do a research paper San Fransisco earthquake and provide facts about the Chinese during this time period.