Advanced Children's Literature: Historical Fiction

Yep, Laurence, with Dr. Kathleen Yep. THE DRAGON'S CHILD: A STORY OF ANGEL ISLAND. New York: Harper Collins, 2008.

Laurence Yep at his finest and we all know that is saying quite alot! Laurence and his niece, Kathleen have researched their family saga and located written records and photos of Laurence's father, grandfather, and uncles as they immigrated back and forth from China to America numerous times. The novel is a fusion of fact and fiction, all profoundly enlightening. Students will be unfamiliar with concepts such as in the late 1800's often Chinese gentlemen of means left their wives and young children at home and traveled to America and left them for many years at a time. Despite the fact that much money was mailed back home to the family, sometimes children would not see their fathers or older brothers for 8 years or so and not remember them when they returned. The Yeps write of honor, of the main character being punished by his uncle and teacher for doing what came naturally, writing with his left hand, of thinking he should be able to stop stuttering just because he father tells him to. The scary journey to a new country is very realistic and the stuttering of the main character will personalize this young man for some. Trying to win our parental approval will resonate with all and the young boy's practice and nervousness about his interview with the crossing officials will be familiar to anyone who is or was ever new to public speaking. The photo of a handsome young boy in a black beret, red suit, and black tie is acknowledged on the back jacket as being from the Yep family. An exceptional book in many ways. Recommended for 2nd-7th grades, truly for all ages. A powerful and moving family saga that would resonate with new immigrants from any culture.