The book Dragonwings by Laurence Yep was a pleasant read. I always enjoy viewing life, in this case American life in the early 20th Century, through a different perspective. The author was inspired by a story he read about a Chinese flier named Fung Joe Quey who lived in 1909. This man improved on the Wright brother’s design and also made wireless sets and telephones. This historical fiction was inspired by these loose facts, but the setting is based on historical findings.

Although interesting, the book never fully held my attention, as it was a fairly placid story about an 8 year old boy sailing from China to join his father in America. He has never known his father, because his father left when he was a baby in order to send money home to his mom and family. The duo eventually learn how to be friends and understand one another. In a normal situation a dad protects a son, but for the most part, the opposite is true for this story.

The story is told from the view our protagonist, Moon Shadow, almost as though he is looking back on life, for he speaks with understanding beyond his years. His father is fascinated by Kites and the idea of aeronautics. The Wright brothers flight sets a course for them to try to fly too. Moon Shadow is the only character who understands his father’s dream/need to fly, when the rest of his family practically disowns them. Will they be able to fly? Will Moon Shadow see his mother again? Will their extended family ever understand them?

As I said earlier, the most interesting thing about this was seeing the American culture from a completely different (non-European) perspective. We, Americans, are called demons here… are we?

All in all, I can not see this story holding many kids or young adult’s attention, and I was bogged down sometimes simply because I did not immediately understand some cultural references.

Kate

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep
Newbery Honor Book
(c) 1975, Harper Collins
Publisher Reading Level: Young Adult
ISBN: 0-06-440086-9
245 Pages