Plot Summary

Shadow of the Dragon

Sherry Garland
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Shadow of the Dragon

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1993

Book Brief

Sherry Garland

Shadow of the Dragon

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1993
Book Details
Pages

314

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Vietnam • Late 1970s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-15 years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

Shadow of the Dragon by Sherry Garland follows Danny Vo, an Americanized Vietnamese youth, and his refugee cousin Sang Le as they navigate life in 1980s Houston. Danny helps his cousin acclimate to their new surroundings while forming a relationship with his crush, Tiffany, despite her brother's prejudice. The novel explores themes of cultural identity, assimilation, and familial bonds. Themes of violence and gang involvement appear in the book.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Emotional

Adventurous

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

349 ratings

68%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Shadow of the Dragon by Sherry Garland has received mixed reviews. Critics praise its engaging narrative and cultural depth, highlighting the rich depiction of Vietnamese heritage. However, some note that the pacing can be uneven, affecting overall readability. Despite this, the book is commended for its compelling characters and emotional resonance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shadow of the Dragon?

Readers who would enjoy Shadow of the Dragon by Sherry Garland are typically fans of historical fiction with rich, culturally immersive narratives. Similar to those who appreciated Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai and In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord, they seek stories of resilience and identity within a specific historical context.

4.1

349 ratings

68%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

314

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Vietnam • Late 1970s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-15 years

Lexile Level

840L

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