50 pages • 1 hour read
248
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco • Early 1900s
1975
Middle grade
10-14 years
870L
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
4,786 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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
248
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco • Early 1900s
1975
Middle grade
10-14 years
870L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.