Super Short Summary

Dragon's Gate by Laurence Yep follows 14-year-old Otter, who escapes the oppressive Manchu dynasty in China by traveling to California. There, he joins his uncle and father working on the Transcontinental Railroad, facing harsh physical labor and severe racism. Through these struggles, Otter's perception of heroism evolves as he witnesses the bravery and resilience of the Chinese workers. The novel includes sensitive topics such as racial discrimination and physical violence.