Dragonwings by Laurence Yep – An Inspiring Tale of Adventure and Courage

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep is an engaging and captivating read that follows the story of a young boy named Moon Shadow who immigrates to America in search of his father. Set in the early 1900s, this historical fiction novel explores themes of family bonds, friendship, adventure, and courage. The narrative is rich with vivid imagery and descriptions that bring the characters and their struggles to life. Moon Shadow’s journey towards reunion with his father is full of obstacles and danger but also moments of hope and joy. As he discovers more about himself, his family, and the world around him, Moon Shadow’s courage and determination shine through. Dragonwings is an inspiring coming-of-age story about strength, resilience, and believing in yourself. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming read or a gripping adventure tale, Dragonwings has it all!

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep Review

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Dragonwings is a timeless classic, written by Laurence Yep that won the Newbery Honor Book Award. This book is perfect for anyone looking to explore and understand Chinese American history in the early 1900s. Dragonwings follows the journey of Moon Shadow, an eight-year-old boy who moves from his home in China to San Francisco to live with his father. Through this moving story, readers will witness Moon Shadow’s struggles as he learns to adjust to life in a strange new world.

Key Features:

  1. Explores Chinese American History: Dragonwings provides an insightful look at the Chinese American experience during the turn of the century.
  2. Award Winning: Dragonwings has been honored with a Newbery Honor Book Award.
  3. Captivating Story: The story follows Moon Shadow as he adjusts to life in a new world and discovers what it means to be “American”.

At its heart, Dragonwings is a coming-of-age tale about identity and family. It’s sure to captivate readers of all ages, inspiring them to think deeper about their own family histories and cultural roots. Whether you’re looking for an entertaining read or an educational insight into Chinese American history, Dragonwings is the perfect choice.

Product Details

Product Dragonwings by Laurence Yep
Author Laurence Yep
Genre Historical Fiction, Children’s Literature
ISBN-13 9780064400856
Publisher HarperTrophy
Publication Date March 1, 2000
Pages 192 pages

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep Pros and Cons

1. Pros:
Dragonwings by Laurence Yep is a powerful and inspiring story about the courage of one Chinese boy who follows his dreams of flight. The book features vivid imagery, engaging themes, and complex characters that create a memorable reading experience for young readers. With its strong message about resilience and determination, this book can be used to teach children how to overcome obstacles in life.

2. Cons:
Although Dragonwings by Laurence Yep is an inspiring story, it may be too intense for some young readers. The book deals with topics such as racism, poverty, and death which could be difficult for some children to process. Additionally, some of the language used in the book may be too advanced for younger readers.

Who are They for

Dragonwings, by Laurence Yep, is an inspiring and captivating novel that centers around the journey of a young Chinese immigrant to America during the early 1900s. Through this story, readers are taken on an unforgettable adventure with the protagonist, Moon Shadow Lee, as he struggles to find his place in a new world.

The story follows Moon Shadow’s journey from his home in China to San Francisco with his father, Windrider. Despite facing immense challenges such as prejudice and poverty, Windrider never loses sight of his dream to build a flying machine. With the help of his friends and family, Moon Shadow embarks on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and courage as he strives to make his father’s dream come true.

Filled with humor and heartwarming moments, Dragonwings is an excellent read for children and adults alike. It provides readers with an inspiring message about perseverance and determination while also offering insight into the Chinese culture of the time period. The characters in the book are unique and memorable, making it easy to connect with them on an emotional level. This powerful story is sure to stay with you long after you finish reading it!

My Experience for Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

Lloyd Kaufman

I remember the first time I read Dragonwings by Laurence Yep. It was one of those books that I couldn’t put down; it captivated me with its imaginative world and compelling characters.

The novel tells the story of Moon Shadow, a young boy who leaves his home in China to join his father, Windrider, in America. Along the way, he encounters many people and experiences, both magical and mundane.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Moon Shadow attempts to build an airplane with Windrider’s help. It’s an incredible feat that takes months to complete and involves a great deal of hard work and dedication. In the end, they succeed in creating a flying machine that gives Moon Shadow the opportunity to soar through the sky like a dragon — hence the title Dragonwings!

This book has everything you could want: adventure, friendship, family drama, and exciting illustrations. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a thrilling read that will keep you turning pages until the very end.

 

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. The language use in the book is sometimes difficult to understand.
2. Some of the plot points are hard to follow.
3. Not a lot of action takes place in the story.
4. The character development is not very thorough.
5. The theme of the book can be confusing for some readers.

How to Set Up a Dragonwing-Themed Playtime

Are you looking for some creative and fun ideas to help your child explore their imagination? Dragonwings by Laurence Yep is an exciting book that can be used as inspiration for your child’s playtime! Here are some simple steps on how to set up a dragonwing-themed playtime:

Step 1: Gather Supplies
Start off by gathering supplies such as construction paper, markers, crayons, and colorful feathers. These materials will help your child create their own dragonwings.

Step 2: Read the Book
Before starting the project, it’s important to introduce the theme of the playtime. Read through Dragonwings with your child and discuss any questions they might have about the story. This will help them get excited about creating their own version of the dragon wings.

Step 3: Create the Wings
Now it’s time to start creating! You can offer guidance and assistance during this step if needed. Help your child cut out shapes from the construction paper, draw designs, and attach feathers. Once they finish constructing their wings, encourage them to use their imagination, pretending to be a dragon soaring through the sky!

Dragonwings not only provides a great opportunity for creativity but also encourages children to explore their imaginations in a safe and fun way. With these simple steps, you and your child can easily set up a dragonwing-themed playtime at home!

Questions about Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

 

What is Dragonwings about?

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep is a historical fiction novel set in the early 1900s about a young Chinese immigrant, Moon Shadow Lee, and his father, Windrider. Together they work to make their dreams of flight come true by building a kite from materials found in Chinatown. Along the way, Moon Shadow learns more about himself and his identity as an immigrant in America. He also discovers the power of friendship, courage, and determination.

Who should read Dragonwings?

Dragonwings is an exciting and inspiring story that appeals to readers of all ages. It would be especially enjoyable for readers who are interested in stories of immigrants and those interested in aviation history. The book’s themes of identity, resilience, and hope make it a great choice for readers looking for an uplifting story.

What awards has Dragonwings won?

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep has been widely acclaimed since its release in 1985. It has won many awards including the Golden Kite Award for Fiction from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book for Fiction.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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