Dragonwings, Lawrence Yep

In the first years of the twentieth century, 8-year-old Moon Shadow leaves China to join his father, Windrider, in San Francisco. Moon Shadow learns that his father, a master kitemaker, dreams of building and flying his own airplane. Chinese tradition and culture come vividly to life as father and son face the challenges of living in America. They experience discrimination, but also make valued friends. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire bring destruction but new opportunities for the boy and his father. In the dramatic conclusion, Moon Shadow and Windrider execute a dangerous attempt at flight.

Related Readings

Writing Dragonwings—article by Laurence Yep

from Chinese Kites—informative nonfiction by Wang Hongxun

Some Personal Recollections—personal narrative by Gerstle Mack

Success at Kill Devil Hills—history by Becky Welch

from The Case of the Goblin Pearls—fiction by Laurence Yep

Study Guide (PDF)