50 pages • 1 hour read
Dragonwings
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Book Brief
248
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco • Early 1900s
1975
Middle grade
10-14 years
870L
Super Short Summary
Dragonwings by Laurence Yep follows Moon Shadow Lee, a young Chinese boy who moves to America to reconnect with his father, Windrider Lee, who dreams of building and flying his own airplane. Together, they face numerous challenges, including racial prejudice, poverty, and the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Through determination and community support, they strive to achieve their aspirations and strengthen their bond. The novel includes multiple depictions of racism and violence motivated by racism.
Inspirational
Adventurous
Emotional
Heartwarming
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
4,786 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Laurence Yep's Dragonwings offers a compelling look into early 20th-century Chinese immigrant life in America. Praised for its rich historical detail and emotional depth, the novel excels in character development and cultural representation. However, some readers find its pacing slow. Overall, it is a powerful and enlightening read for young audiences and adults alike.
Who Should Read Dragonwings?
Readers who relish coming-of-age stories with historical backdrops will enjoy Dragonwings by Laurence Yep. Fans of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor and Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan will appreciate this novel’s blend of immigrant experiences and rich cultural heritage, set against the early 20th-century San Francisco.
4,786 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Windrider Lee
Windrider Lee
Moon Shadow's father, a Chinese immigrant working in a laundromat, who dreams of building a flying machine while maintaining strong familial and community ties.
Uncle Bright Star
Uncle Bright Star
The leader of the Company and a seasoned Chinese immigrant, he is a fatherly figure respected for his wisdom and connection to Chinese traditions.
Miss Whitlaw
Miss Whitlaw
Windrider and Moon Shadow's property manager, who is open-minded and provides a supportive friendship that helps Moon Shadow feel more at home in America.
Black Dog
Black Dog
Uncle Bright Star’s son, who becomes an antagonist due to his involvement in Chinatown's criminal underworld and struggles with life in America.
Robin
Robin
Miss Whitlaw's niece and Moon Shadow’s friend, who shares his curiosity and helps him navigate interactions with their peers.
248
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco • Early 1900s
1975
Middle grade
10-14 years
870L
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