Dragon's Gate (Golden Mountain Chronicles, 1867)

Book Description

In 1867, Otter travels from Three Willows Village in China to California -- the Land of the Golden Mountain. There he will join his father and uncle.

In spite of the presence of family, Otter is a stranger among the other Chinese in this new land. And where he expected to see a land of goldfields, he sees only vast, cold whiteness. But Otter's dream is to learn all he can, take the technology back to the Middle Kingdom, and free China from the Manchu invaders.

Otter and the others board a machine that will change his life -- a train for which he would open the Dragon's Gate.

Customer Reviews:

Discovery and Adventure in the Dragon's Gate.......2007-10-10

The Chinese culture has always been fascinated by dragons. They have many sculptures, drawings and stories about dragons. The book Dragon Keeper is no exception. It is about a slave girl who befriends a dragon and goes out on a quest to get to a mystical place called Ocean.

The story starts with a lowly slave girl living on a mountain in the far borders of the Han Empire (which was the ruling force back then in China.) The girl lives with the Imperial Dragon Keeper, her master, Lan. It was Lan's job to take care of the imperial dragons, but he got lazy and the slave girl took his job and took care of the beasts. Then, when one of the two last dragons die, the girl feels remorse and starts to take better care of the last one. Then, one day, the girl is forced to escape with the dragon, when an evil dragon hunter finds her and the dragon out.

During the long journey to Ocean, the girl learns her name, befriends people (who turn into her enemies), and fights villains. The book was very enjoyable because of its excitement when you didn't know what was going to happen next. The riddles sometimes go unsolved in the book, which I really didn't like, but if you do solve them it makes you want to read it more. Over all, the book was pretty good, and if you like dragons or the Chinese culture, you should get the book. Dragon Keeper had many mysteries and surprises around every corner, so stay close to the dragons, but keep away from the tigers.

worst book i have ever read!.......2006-11-28

This book is officialy the most boring and worst book that i have ever read. I didnt find any part of this book exciting or good. The whole thing was boring. I had to read this book for school with a group of 5 or 6 other people. Every single person in the group hated the book. I hated this book.

Nourhan's Review.......2006-04-30

Dragon's Gate is a truly enlightening book that I have had the pleasure of reading. Both the plot and the excellently mastered figurative language in this novel make it a great book to read. Laurence Yep has beyond the doubt mastered the art of personification, transforming inanimate objects into living and breathing things. Although figurative language is a valuable asset to any story, it alone cannot alone create a page turner. That's where an elaborately planned out storyline based on non-fictional information and events that occurred in history play a major role. This gives a flavor of reality to the story making it all the more enjoyable.

Laurence Yep begins off his novel by sweeping the reader away into the exotic orients of a land known as the Middle Kingdom (now known as China). We look through the eyes of a wealthy young man with what some may consider a dark past. An outcast at his own home, Otter truly seeks acceptance and struggles to find his own identity in a world built on racial discrimination. We follow Otter through the darkest and brightest of days and gradually grow close to this novel's protagonist as we find that we can relate to him in many different ways. This is the main reason I that I (personally) found this novel so compelling.

I would recommend this book to readers with exceptional reading skills (grade 6 and up) in order to really appreciate the excellent figurative language used in the story. I would also recommend this book to people who are unfamiliar to the abuse and mistreatment that the Chinese faced while building the transcontinental railroad. I think this book is great the way it is and would not change a single word in it for I think everybody would enjoy it the way it is.

Dragon's Gate - An Image of Poetry.......2006-04-30

Dragon's Gate is a very well written book that includes varying sensations that range from love to hate and from frustration to pride. Through this book you become conscious of many things that you would have disregarded if this book were not written. This book gives you a clear understanding of the hardships and discrimination faced by Chinese workers whilst building the railroad. The author, Laurence Yep's use of figurative language is what I like most about this book. He makes inanimate objects come alive through personification. At one point in the story, he calls the cold a living thing and has it snatch the warmth from one of his characters' bodies. Yep compares different things in an almost poetic manner. He compares the wooden bunks on a ship to coffins and another line from the book is: `...I saw him like a black shadow within the swirling snow.' I also like the way Yep uses Chinese superstitions in his book. These Chinese sayings make it easier for you (the reader) to connect with the characters in the book, as they are Chinese.
| would recommend this book to people between the ages of 10 and 16. I believe that people older than 16 will find this book really boring because this book is written at a Middle School level. Children under the age of 10 however will not be able to understand the depth of the book and they may not understand the concept of discrimination - a concept which is crucial for the text. In my opinion, the book is great just as it is and any changes may ruin the book.

Dragon Gate - A Clash of Cultures.......2006-04-30

Dragon Gate is a heartbreaking story about a young Chinese boy's life America. Otter had to move to America after he got into some trouble in China, and worked on the railroad during the industrial revolution. This compelling story is about the hardships, clash of cultures, and discrimination that Otter had to deal with. It is a deeply moving story that I enjoyed immensely. It is a story that many people can relate to, which is why I encourage that it should be read. The themes and lessons in this book are very poignant, and relate to everyone on some level. The Characters are very life like and seem almost like real people, and you start to see a little of yourself in Otter. You can't help but put yourself in the characters shoes, and imagine what you would have done in their place. The words and descriptions pull you into the story and make you feel as if you were there; going through every thing Otter was going through.

I would recommend this book to anyone above middle school level and to teenagers especially. Older readers can identify more with the feelings of change, loss, and not fitting in that Otter goes through. At one point in our lives we all have an idol that we try to emulate, and sometimes when that idol does not live up to are high standards we feel let down and betrayed. Otter goes through these feelings with his Uncle Foxfire, and the story makes you realize that our idols are only people and that we should allow them to make mistakes. Even though the book seems simple it is the hidden messages in it that make it such a good read. The story teaches us the lesson of forgiveness, of standing up for what you believe in, but it also enlightens us that it is okay to be scared and make mistakes along the way.

Dragonwings: Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1903 (Golden Mountain Chronicles)

Average customer rating:

A Good Book--4 stars
Upset
snooze fest
Dragonwings
Dragonwings

Dragonwings: Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1903 (Golden Mountain Chronicles)
Laurence Yep
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064400859
Release Date: 2001-01-23

Book Description

Will Windrider
take to the skies?

Moon shadow is eight years old when he sails from China to join his father, Windrider, in America. Windrider lives in San Francisco and makes his living doing laundry. Father and son have never met.

But Moon Shadow grows to love and respect his father and to believe in his wonderful dream. And Windrider, with Moon Shadow's help is willing to endure the mockery of the other Chinese, the poverty, the separation from his wife and country'even the great earthquake'to make his dream come true.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Book--4 stars.......2007-04-27

Dragonwings is a good book to read because you have a good feeling to know someone's dream came true, like Moonshadow's father's dream. Moonshadow is a young man. When he was just eight years old, he had a chance to join his father who he had never seen before in the United States. He went through a difficult time passing immigration. This book talks about how Chinese people settled down in Chinatown and the experience in 1906 with the big earthquake in San Francisco, and then how Moonshadow and his father relocated to Oakland. Moonshadow's father is a good kite maker, and he has a fabulous dream to make a flying machine. Moon Shadow writes a letter to the Wrights telling them how his father likes to fly too, and wishes they can help him. The father's dream came true when he made a flying machine in 1909. Lawrence Yep's historical novels shows rich traditions and the culture of the Chinese community. I will recommend this book to people who are American born Chinese because they can learn from this book about how difficult it was for their ancesters to get into this country, and how they worked so hard and how they survived in white society, so they will appreciate them. Overall it is a good book to read, I just have some words that were hard to understand for me, maybe because they are too old fashioned.

Upset.......2007-04-18

I was honestly upset with this book not as good as i thought it would be, I mean the story was just boring overall.The only thing I thought was interesting that they used kites and I would be curious to ask the author why.

snooze fest.......2007-02-22

horrible
I am 13 years old and I hate this book
we read it in english class this year. About two people actually fell asleep reading it in 5th period. Really boring. There was one exciting part to the story. The names are hard to keep track of. I also don't like the fact that all throughout this book the boy refers to the white men as "demons". At first I thought the book was suposed to teach a lesson. But in the end it didn't
don't buy this book

Dragonwings.......2006-11-30

Wow,this is the best book I've ever read in years.This book starts off with a boy named Moonshadow,Moonshadows mom,and grandmother.They are in there farm allways workinging in the farm and not having any fun.
Moonshadow always wonders how the goldenmountains (America)looks like.When Moonshadow visits the goldenmountains and finds his dad there.The white demons (white people) are mean to the chinamen and all yhey care about is themselves.

Dragonwings.......2006-05-25

Moonshadow starts out as a shy little boy who lives in China who was curious about The Land of the Golden Mountain (America). Men from China would go to America in search for a better life. This is what Moonshadow's father did. One day Moonshadow was told that he had to choose between either staying in China and never knowing his father or being taken to his father in The Land of the Golden Mountain, he chose to leave. On the boat he was very frightened because he heard the older men telling stories of how they were almost tortured in America which did not make it any easier for Moonshadow to leave China. When he arrives he encounters a couple of "scary" things before they get to where he will be staying. Everyone with the last name of Lee works in a Laundry Shop, which is owned by Uncle Bright Star and White Deer. Moonshadow is greeted with Demon (white people) clothing. He already doesn't like what he sees. Moon shadow faces many difficulties such as being mugged, robbed, being picked on and racism through out the whole story. Towards the end of the story Moonshadow's father Windrider discovers that he wants to peruse his dream and he will need Moonshadow's help to achieve that dream. When he tells everyone that he will be moving out they are hurt and angry. They live by a white demoness and her niece, Miss. Whitlaw and Robin. While they are living there Windrider works as a handy man for Mr. Alger. Everything is perfect until the Earthquake comes. Miss. Whitlaw and Robin, Moonshadow and Windrider have to separate. It is up to Moonshadow to take over there new house because father is working on his dream but, will he finish in time and will it work? You find out!

The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906

Average customer rating:

Earth Dragon Awakes
Everyday Heroes...
An exciting story that will appeal to children ages 8-12

The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
Laurence Yep
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060275243
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Book Description

A gripping portrait of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake by Laura Ingalls Wilder Award winner Laurence Yep.

When the quake subsides, Chin and Henry and their families are lucky to be alive. But now they must escape the fires that have broken out and find their way to safety–before it's too late.

Based on actual events and told from the alternating perspectives of two young friends, The Earth Dragon Awakes is a suspenseful novel about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake by Newbery Honor author Laurence Yep.

Customer Reviews:

Earth Dragon Awakes.......2007-09-24

This is an excellent young adult book. It is one of our Georgia Book Award Nominees for 2007-2008. It is a great way for kids to learn about what the earthquake was like from a young person's view point. The language of the book was very descriptive. You felt like you were there.

Everyday Heroes..........2006-08-01

THE EARTH DRAGON AWAKES features parallel narration from two young boys...one American, one Chinese-American. Two different neighborhoods, but one terrifying crisis overwhelms them all.

Ah Sing is the houseboy to the Travis family, his son, Chin, is friends with Henry Travis. They both share a common passion: secretly reading 'penny dreadfuls' adventure stories full of heroes and action-packed adventures. But little do they know that the true heroes are much closer to home.

When the earthquake strikes, the young boys see their fathers revealed as true heroes. Fighting for survival, the city brings out the best and worst of everyone. Some see an opportunity to make profit, and others devote their time to helping strangers.

It is an exciting read for young readers.

An exciting story that will appeal to children ages 8-12 .......2006-05-31

Chin and his father, Ah Sing, live in Chinatown with thousands of other Chinese immigrants. Ah Sing is a houseboy for Mr. Travis, a well-to-do banker who lives in a very nice San Francisco neighborhood with his wife and son, Henry. Henry and Chin are good friends; Henry shares his comic books with Chin, who is using them to learn how to read. Henry's parents and Ah Sing don't approve of the comic books their boys find so interesting.

Henry's dog, Sawyer, is very upset. He's whimpering and afraid, sensing that something is terribly wrong. Even the chickens in Ah Quon's butcher shop are skittish and frightened. What could be scaring the animals?

Over one-third of a million people are sleeping or just waking up around 5 A.M. on April 18, 1906 in the San Francisco area when the earthquake begins. Author Laurence Yep describes what it's like: "It is as if more than 18 million sticks of dynamite explode beneath them. That is more force than the atom bomb that struck Hiroshima."

At the Travis house Sawyer begins to howl. Henry hears a low rumble, then his books bounce off their shelves. Plaster drops off the walls and windows shatter. The house across the street falls apart.

Over in Chinatown the floor in Ah Sing's little apartment actually rolls under his feet. Boxes fall. Possessions are scattered everywhere. Windows shatter, and walls crack and crumble. Then the ceiling falls.

Imagine the chaos and destruction as houses tumble like flimsy paper cards. Water mains break. Thousands of people are trapped under falling rubble --- bricks, wood and plaster. Cable-car tracks are twisted and contorted. Fires are breaking out and spreading rapidly because there aren't enough firemen to fight that many fires. Those who are able to are helping rescue people, pets and a few belongings. Everyone is desperately trying to find a safe place.

This disaster is bringing out the best in most people, but also the worst as some folks are charging outrageous prices for the few supplies and what little transportation is available.

Henry and Chin's families experience many hazards and great uncertainty, but they do survive the earthquake and the fires. Both Henry and Chin are very proud of their fathers for the way they overcame the hardships and kept their families safe during the disaster.

--- Reviewed by Carole Turner

Lady of Ch'iao Kuo: Warrior of the South, Southern China, A.D. 531 (The Royal Diaries)

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable and Informative
A fantastic addition to the Royal Diary series!!!
Long but interesting
Lady of Ch'iao Kuo book review
Amazing!

Lady of Ch'iao Kuo: Warrior of the South, Southern China, A.D. 531 (The Royal Diaries)
Laurence Yep
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0439164834

Amazon.com

Princess Red Bird, 16-year-old daughter of the Hsien king in 6th century Southern China, has been born into a world of dispute and violence. When she is sent to a Chinese colony to be educated, she must contend with the disdainful attitudes of her hosts, who consider the Hsien to be savages, even as both the Chinese and the Hsien are at constant risk of attack from the truly savage neighboring people, the Dog Heads. In reality, the princess is a fair and wise leader, even at a young age, with a brilliant mind for military stratagems. Her leadership skills are put to the test when war breaks out and the Dog Heads begin to move in.

Prolific Newbery Honor author Laurence Yep (Dragon's Gate) contributes a remarkable tale to the Royal Diaries series. This fictionalized account of the real-life princess will introduce young readers to a long-ago land with a fascinating culture and edge-of-seat adventures, and will certainly inspire some to delve deeper into Chinese history. As in all the titles in the series, a section in the back provides context and historical background. (Ages 8 to 14) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

The Royal Diaries proudly presents two-time Newbery Honor author Laurence Yep, whose stunning diary of sixteen-year-old Lady of Ch¹iao Kuo takes readers on a remarkable adventure to Southern China in the sixth century A.D., where Ch¹iao Kuo, a born leader called Red Bird, is courageous and keenly intelligent.

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable and Informative.......2007-01-12

I purchased this book for my children who are interested in Chinese history. I found it to be well written and engaging. While a child would need to be around nine or ten to really try reading this alone, it is still enjoyable for school age children, though parents should remember that this does contain some violence and may upset younger readers, so it would be a good idea to preview it or read along if you think your child might need to discuss some of these events.

A fantastic addition to the Royal Diary series!!!.......2005-07-16

Princess Redbird is a 15 year old princess of the Hsien tribe. The Hsiens are thought as 'savages' among all the other tribes in China. They are constantly at war and Redbird misses her father who so often cancels special occasions for his wars throughout China with his opponent 'The Dog Heads' an evil militia. The time is A.D. 531 and Redbird wants to become part of her father's royal council as her brother has. Instead, her parents set her up at the chinese colony, away from her precious home at Kingfisher Hill. Princess Redbird writes about her times at Kingfisher Hill, celebrations she's celebrated and how one day she hopes to inherit the Hsien throne. A gift that has never been casted down on a woman. Redbird lives a sleepy and lazt life until she learns that her school has set aflame with all the people inside it! Redbird must rise to the challenge and prove herself the true warrior of the south.

Long but interesting.......2005-04-05

When I first got this book I expected bamboo, chopsticks, honorable monks and all that other stereotype Chinese stuff. But I saw that life in sixth century China was not that way. The Chinese were beyond bamboo but the Hsien people to the south weren't. The Hsien who lived in Southern China at the time lived a peaceful life in the forests until the jealous Dog Heads (who I think were from India or Vietnam) came and the Chinese help them. The Hsien send their Princess Red Bird to become a liasion and makes a clever plan to defeat the Dog Head Elephants. This Clever Book-loving Princess records in Five Scrolls her life living with her Father the king and then later her brother King Little Tiger who was a royal pain like this other Chinese rich colonist girl who ends up living with Red Bird. But I think lot's of kids who love books can relate to Princess Red Bird. I hope you like it as much as I have.

Lady of Ch'iao Kuo book review.......2004-10-27

We had to read this book for class and I thought it was one of the worst books I ever read! I do not recommend it for you to read. It is very boring!

Amazing!.......2004-04-07

When I first read this book I thought, how boring, it's just a bunch of rambling about war and junk. Well I decided I'd give it another chance and I think it's fabulous. I guess that now that we are caught up in a war ourselves I can really relate to what she is saying. This book has humor, action, adventure, and really corrosponds to what is happening in the world today. I reccomend this book to everyone and encourage those of you who disliked it at first to give it a secound chance.

Average customer rating:

An interesting read...
The Rainbow People
Great Source of Chinese and Chinese American Tales
Teaching Tales

The Rainbow People
Laurence Yep
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064404412

Book Description

"Culled from 69 stories collected in a [1930s] WPA project, [these 20] tales are organized into sections with themes like 'Tricksters' or 'Virtues and Vices,' each with a thoughtful introduction placing the individual stories in the context of feelings and background of the original tellers. Yep's telling is vigorous, often poetic, imbued with earthy humor and realism touched with fatalism. A handsomely designed collection." —K.

Notable Children's Books of 1989 (ALA)
The USA Through Children's Books 1990 (ALA)
1989 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Nonfiction
1990 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
1989 Children's Editors' Choices (BL)
Notable 1989 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
Children's Books of 1989 (Library of Congress)
1989 Children's Books (NY Public Library)
"The Best Books" 1989 (Parents Magazine)

Customer Reviews:

An interesting read..........2006-02-02

The Rainbow People by Laurence Yep is a very interesting collection of Chinese myths. People who short stories over novels will enjoy this book.

The Rainbow People is divided into five sections, which are titled "Tricksters," Fools," "Virtues and Vices," "In Chinese America," and "Love." Each of these sections has an short introduction that gives us a hint about the upcoming theme. Some of the sections have contrasting ideas; for example, "Tricksters" is about people who are smarter than they think they are, but "Fools" is about people who think they are smarter than they are.My favorite stories were in "Tricksters" and "Virtues and Vices," but I enjoyed reading all of them. Reading this book gave me a good idea of the Chinese culture.

I recommend this book for people who just like to sit down for about five minutes and read a short story. It also helps if you are interested in different cultures around the world. For those of you who want to finish a book in one stretch, this isn't the book for you.

The Rainbow People .......2005-04-13

The Rainbow People has a lot of stories on life like there is a section on tricksters and a section on fools which is my favorite section with my favorite story The Eels Disguise which is about a fool who makes a decision to have eels and he tries to wash them and loses them in the water a thinks that turtle
Is an eel?
I like this book because it lets you get a feeling on
people perspective on life. That is why I recommend this book also this will give you a chuckle here and there
The things that I don't like is that is that some stories are tragic because a lot of peoples family
Are killed by monsters.
In the end I think this book is great book so get out and buy it.

Great Source of Chinese and Chinese American Tales.......2004-04-29

Yep for the most part retells and combines stories collected by Jon Lee in a 1930's WPA project in Oakland's Chinatown from Chinese who would trace their ancestry to Kwangtung, China. (xi)

The stories are broken up into Tricksters, Fools, Virtues and Vices, In Chinese America, and Love tales. Each section has a brief introduction which contains some history and cultural information as well as additional source information.

Each story has a bookmark size brush and ink illustration. The illustrations add a glimpse into the stories.

Yep's stories are very readable, but might need a little trimming for telling. These stories are interesting and offer a look into the lives of the earliest Chinese Americans.

Teaching Tales.......2000-06-14

Getting students to see the connection between their classes is often difficult. Students in middle school do not see that Literature and Social Studies are interconnected. Yep's tales help suppliment an often "boring" unit on Ancient China.

Average customer rating:

Chemistry Teacher
Hiroshima
Wonderful to Teach 6th Graders
Two Brave Sisters!
Stunning and inspiring

Hiroshima (Apple Paperbacks)
Laurence Yep
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0590208330

Customer Reviews:

Chemistry Teacher.......2007-05-07

I used this very simple book to inject a little burst of "something" different into my Chemistry class. I use it when I cover Nuclear Chemistry. It describes very simply the vocabulary words for an atomic bomb and the plus is that the students get to learn about the point of view of a young girl.
It's a great help in the course: they have to read! The students get to see a different point of view of what would have been just another topic in a not so fun class (That is, -for some.) I like to have a little bit for everybody in my classes, this book allows for a breath of fresh air for those who are suffocating with the chemistry compounds... They see "People things: feelings" in the class of Chemistry! Wow, that doesn't happen too often!

Hiroshima.......2006-04-04

Hiroshima

Hiroshima by Laurence Yep tells about one of the world's worst war disasters. This book tells the story of a little girl named Sachi. At 12 years of age, Sachi was experiencing her country and another country at war. What do you think? It would be pretty scary living in a target city for a nuclear bomb!

I think this was a very short but interesting book because I learned many things that I was not aware of. I thought the book was really good but it was so short, that it ended really quickly. I think this book would be a good read for grades 6-8 but that's about it. Overall, Laurence Yep wrote a good novel.

Wonderful to Teach 6th Graders.......2005-08-02

I teach 6th grade special education language arts. I teach this book at the end of the year during a poetry/haiku unit. I teach the children a bit about Asian culture and about World War II. It sets them up for 7th grade social studies and really gives them something to think about. I've found it to be quite a successful unit. The students are very interested and engaged and are so curious about that time in our history and that of the Japanese people.

Two Brave Sisters!.......2005-07-09

Have you ever seen or felt a bomb? Well if you haven't your lucky , these two sisters have. On one early mornning of August 6,1945 , an a americian bomer roars down the runway on its way to Taiwain. The hopes of these two girls are in Danger.

Stunning and inspiring.......2005-05-15

I wrote a historical fiction novel about Hiroshima, using this book by Yep as a resource. What an incredible storyteller Yep is. You are taken right into the heart of Hiroshima and shown exactly what happened through Yep's words. I was moved and touched by this book and recommend it, not just for young readers but for adults as well.

Spring Pearl: The Last Flower (Girls of Many Lands)

Average customer rating:

A tale that flourishes like a lone camellia from beginning to end
This flower is unique and has rare beauty.
A book all families can enjoy.
True Chinese Sensibility
Outstanding Book

Spring Pearl: The Last Flower (Girls of Many Lands)
Laurence Yep
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1584855193

Customer Reviews:

A tale that flourishes like a lone camellia from beginning to end.......2007-02-10

The year is 1857. While other children are preparing themselves for the upcoming Moon Festival, twelve-year-old Spring Pearl is mourning the death of her scholarly parents, and packing her belongings to make the trek to Master Sung's home, where she will live with his family until she can find better accommodations for herself. However, while Spring Pearl is mesmerized by the lavish living of Master Sung, and his family, she can't help but miss her family's tiny cottage by the river, where she spent hours watching her handiwork in the garden flourish into a floral haven. Here at Master Sung's home, the garden has gone to pot, and all that remains are long, sharp weeds that sprout up every which way. Spring Pearl is supposed to be a guest in the Sung household, but Mistress Sung views her as nothing more than an orphan - one who would be better suited as a male, instead of a female, given the fact that she can read and write, but can't stitch to save her soul. She instantly begins treating Spring Pearl as one of the help, and allows her daughters - Miss Emerald, Miss Willow, and Miss Orion - to refer to her as such. Luckily, Spring Pearl finds solace in the form of Doggy, one of the Sung's hired help. Doggy is her age, and respects her, along with her tomboyish ways. However, when the Second Opium War begins building within the walls of Canton, China, and Master Sung is taken away for being a traitor, the only person there to help hold the family together is Spring Pearl. Together, she and Mistress Sung attempt to hold the family together, and keep it from going bankrupt. But as the French and British military begin to invade, the family begins contemplating whether an escape from within the walls would be safer for them all. It is only with Spring Pearl's "swamp-rat" ways that the family may be able to survive, and rescue Master Sung once and for all. But for that to happen, they must unite as one, and put their differences aside, in an attempt to come out on top and defeat their enemies.

I have read very little historical fiction revolving around China and the mid-1800's. However, from page one of SPRING PEARL: THE LAST FLOWER, I was drawn into the world of Pearl, and the somber cloud hanging over her as she attempts to ingratiate into the Sung household, and find her place among semi-royals. Laurence Yep has given Spring Pearl a strong voice, combined with vivid descriptions, as well as a brave heart and soul. Her intelligence during a time when female's were held down, and encouraged to obey their elders, as well as their male counterparts, is a wonderful thing to witness. Not only does Spring Pearl have the knack for reading and writing, but she has a talent when it comes to tongues, and the quick wits to bargain with just about anyone she comes in contact with. While it is sometimes tragic to witness the interactions Spring Pearl must hold with Miss Willow, Miss Orion, Miss Emerald, and even Mistress Sung, it is always entertaining to see the amazing way she holds her own, and manages to keep her cool, even as she is called names, and put-down. Spring Pearl is a heroic character, who will instantly win a place in the hearts of female readers, especially as she demonstrates her ability to overcome any obstacle she may face. A tale that flourishes like a lone camellia from beginning to end.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

This flower is unique and has rare beauty........2006-03-04

Chou Spring Pearl is a twelve year old girl growing up in Canton, China in the year 1857. She has just found herself an orphan. Spring Pearl goes to live with her father's friend, Master Sung, a rich scholar. Master Sung lives in a huge house in the very nice part of town. Spring Pearl has lived all of her life in the Rat's Nest of China (the run down part of town). Now that she has come to live with them they want to change her apperance which includes everything from her hair, which is done in a out of date style, to her feet, which seem to be a couple sizes to big. With all of this going on, Spring Pearl can only say that she has one good friend, Doggy. Doggy is a servant in the Sung household. Probably one of the strangest things of the time was that Spring Pearl was smarter than alot of the boys her age, even though she did not attend school and she doesn't care what other people think of the way she acts. Will Chou Spring Pearl be able to adjust to the new life changes or will she keep her differences? Find out for yourself.

I really enjoyed the book it really gave me an incite into the life of a girl in China during the "Opium War". I just could not put the book down. The author uesd exquisite details. Another really good book in the series, that you should also consider reading, which is not a book about a chinese girl but it is about a girl growing up in England in 1592. This book has alot of the same views. The name of the book is Isabel: Taking Wing by Anne Dalton

A book all families can enjoy........2005-07-28

Spring Pearl is a 12 year old girl who likes gardening. But now that her parents have died she must move in with her dad's rich friend Master Sung. But this way of life is much different then her life in the rats nests, (where she used to live was called the rats nest). Will the Sungs ever except Spring pearl in there life, that is one thing that you will learn in this book after all the tragic events that the book will tell you about!

I think Spring Pearls story is great for all ages. But even if there is a girl on the cover, i think this book is good for boys to, because it is a story of adventure!!!

By Elayna B

True Chinese Sensibility.......2004-07-18

While this is a story which can be appreciated simply for the feisty character of the girl Spring Pearl, a poor scholar's orphan who goes to live in a rich patron's house at the height of the Opium Wars in Canton, it is so much more. Kind of a primer in Chinese culture which immediately raises modern questions as well. There are challenges to the system of values prevailing in the rich man's house, an understanding of the frustrated aspirations of adults as well as the difficulties of a girl's adolescence in a male-dominated society. But it is done with imagery not just wordy ideas, and this plays into the Asian sensibility to indicate rather than to assert boldly. I just loved it, and would recommend it for anyone from a precocious 8-10 year old, through to adolescence and beyond. I am eager to see the writer's series about the Chinese who came to America, the Golden Mountain. This is a superb introduction.

Another bonus is that it shows the true face of mercantilism and also of the internal politics of China in response to it. For those concerned about universal human rights, it definitely provokes thought. For those who think that merchants are just trying to strike a sincere bargain all the time, the fairy tale believers, it should also provoke thought.

Outstanding Book.......2003-08-14

My 11 year-old daughter loved this book. She raved so much about it, I began to read it. From the very first page, one is drawn into the story of this very likeable girl. I highly recommend it.

The Journal of Wong Ming-Chung: A Chinese Miner, California, 1852 (My Name is America)

Average customer rating:

California Gold Rush
A trip to The Golden Mountains
The Journal Of Wong Ming Chung
The Journal of Wong Ming- Chung
Deserves 3 1/2 stars.

The Journal of Wong Ming-Chung: A Chinese Miner, California, 1852 (My Name is America)
Laurence Yep
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0590386077

Amazon.com

It is 1852, and 10-year-old Wong Ming-Chung, or Bright Intelligence--or Runt, as he is most commonly called--has arrived at the gold mines of California after a dangerous journey from China. Exchanging the famine and war of his native country for the brutal bullies and grueling labor in America, Runt joins his uncle and countless others in the effort to strike it rich on the great "Golden Mountain." Unfortunately, he, and most of the rest of the dreamers, soon discover that there's no such thing as a Golden Mountain, only dirt, mud, and tiny, occasional flecks of gold dust--flecks that are to be turned over to the owners of the mines, in return for barely livable wages. However, someone as clever and resourceful as Runt can still find true opportunity in this land. He and his uncle team up to find ingenious new ways of making money, and to defend themselves against the bitter, racist white Americans. Along the way, Runt develops lasting friendships with many people from all over the world, learning ways to communicate with them in spite of cultural and language differences.

A thoroughly engrossing addition to the Dear America series, this historical fiction is written in the form of a diary. Laurence Yep has proven himself a master in his art, with such titles as the Newbery Honor-winning Dragonwings, among many other tales about the Chinese immigrant experience. A fictional epilogue, photos from the gold rush era, and a historical note round out this fascinating page-turner. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

In 1852, during the height of the California Gold Rush, ten-year-old Wong Ming-Chung makes the dangerous trip to America to join his uncle on his hunt for a fortune. The true treasure for Ming-Chung, though, is America itself. In the midst of the lawless, often hostile environment, he is able to forge an international community of friends.

Customer Reviews:

California Gold Rush.......2007-06-15

Wong is a twelve-year-old living in China with his parents, his older brother, and his uncle in 1852. Life is sometimes very hard for the Chinese. They have to pay high taxes in order to fund their armies, who always seem to be fighting a war with someone. If their crops don't do well, they don't eat well. Some people of Wong's clan have left to go to America. There they have heard there is a golden mountain in a place called California, and they can get rich by going there and picking gold nuggets off of the ground. Indeed, the sons of those who have left to become miners do have more money and are treated better, especially by the teachers at school. Wong's uncle decides to go to California with two other men from the clan. Wong's brother wants to go as well, but their uncle says no and promises to send for him once he reaches California.

Months later, Wong's family finally gets the news that his uncle has reached California, although the two men he traveled with from the clan died on the voyage there. He wants Wong's brother to join him. Instead, Wong's parents send him.

The trip to California is difficult, crammed onto a ship with many other people and treated like animals. Once Wong reaches California he finds out that there was, in fact, a gold rush, but there is no mountain of gold and now that so many people have gone to California to find their fortunes, most of the gold is gone. The life of a gold miner is a very hard one, especially when Wong and his uncle are trying to send every penny they can home to their family in China. Making things worse are the American miners who are angry that so many foreigners have come to take the gold they think is rightfully theirs.

It was interesting to read that the gold rush affected so many different people. I thought those who went to mine were just within this country, but in this book there were people from all different countries, all coming to California to try to get rich. I liked the relationship that developed between Wong and his uncle as they worked together.

A trip to The Golden Mountains.......2005-10-25

This book is the journal of the boy, Ming-Chung, who lives in southern China. In English, his name means Bright Intelligence, although many people call him Runt. His uncle is full of bad luck, and his brother, Blessing, and Ming-Chung are scholars. His uncle goes to the gold rush to find gold. He writes back giving gold and wanting Blessing. Instead, Ming-Chung goes. Both need good luck and a good group to find gold, if they survive the stay.

This journal shows how his life was coming to California. I liked this book a lot. It showed his feelings in times that no one would know of. This journal also shows how events and laws change how they have to live. I would give it two thumbs up.

I would recommend this book to anyone. Although this book might shed a few tears, it is a book worth reading.

The Journal Of Wong Ming Chung.......2005-04-07

The Journal of Wong Ming Chung

This book is about a young miner, named Wong Ming Chung, but everyone calls him Runt. His Uncle travels to "The Golden Mountain," witch is what they call me California. Uncle is the head of the family, so what he says goes. When he's in Cali, uncle sends for Runt's brother, Blessing.

The parents decide that Blessing is too valuable to go and to California and possibly die, so they sent Runt. Uncle isn't exactly that pleased, be he lets it go. This part of the story made me really sad because Runt's friend Sunny dies on the journey. When in California, Runt and Uncle experience success, failure, and lots of snow, in witch the whole Chinese mining camp indulges in a huge snow-ball fight. All in all, this whole concept of how badly the miners treated the Chinese was very sad, although the way that the money made in mining was sent back to the family in China made me joyful. Over all, I loved the book.
San Anselmo, CA

The Journal of Wong Ming- Chung.......2003-02-12

"Big as melons!" Who would have known Uncle Stone was exaggerating

about how big the gold was going to be? The book I am talking about is The

Journal of Wong Ming-Chung, by Laurence Yep. The genre is historical

fiction.

The story takes place in two areas. In the beginning, it's in China

(year 1852) and it ends in America. Uncle Stone wanted to make a better life

for his family by getting gold. At first, everyone agreed with him, but when

they found out the ticket to America cost too much, they didn't know what

to do. Uncle decided to sell one of their lands to pay off the ticket, but the

whole family disagreed with the idea. Everyone knew Uncle was unlucky, but

since Uncle was the oldest, his word was law.

The main character is Runt (also known as Wong Ming-Chung or Bright

Intelligence). Runt was the only one out of the whole family who liked Uncle.

They got along very well and liked spending time together. When Uncle

arrived at Golden Mountain, he sent a letter home requesting for Blessing's

help. Blessing was Runt's older brother, and because of that, the family

decided to send Runt. They didn't want to send Blessing because they were

afraid he might become sick or die. They cared more about Blessing because

he was the oldest and more valuable to them. Runt was very useful at Golden

Mountain. He was very determined to dig and pan for gold, and he got paid

for writing letters.

This book was very good and descriptive. Through most of the book, I

could easily get into the story. The characters were interesting because

they had words as names. For example: Fox. Fox was the boss of Uncle Stone

and Runt. He was sneaky and brilliant. The author was also very

informational. He made the story seem real, but the book was also boring

during a few parts because it was too descriptive and informational. The

book also became confusing sometimes because there were too many

characters to keep track of. You'd get confused with all the new characters'

names and who they were and what they did. Besides that, this book is

pretty good and entertaining.

Deserves 3 1/2 stars........2002-09-04

"The Journal of Wong Ming-Chung: A Chinese Miner, California, 1852" was interesting, as I have never read a book about the Chinese Miners. At times, this book was a tad boring and the writing didn't seem realistic for an eleven-year-old boy, but nevertheless, I learned different things about the Chinese cultural. My last complaint would be for the epilogue - it could have been more specific. A good book for beginner learners of how and why the Chinese migrated to America during the Gold Rush - I recommend.

Average customer rating:

great addition to this series
A highly unique fantasy true to characters and storyline
3rd book out of a great series....
Good book
Dragon Cauldron

Dragon Cauldron
Laurence Yep
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 006440398X

Book Description

Will the Dragon Homeland be Restored?

Monkey tells the tale as he joins the dragon princess Shimmer, and, along with two feisty humans, they embark on a mission to recover the dragon homeland. It has been Shimmer's personal quest for years, ever since Witch Civet stole the sea, and the dragons were evicted from their magnificent palaces of coral and pearl. Now the archenemy Civet is repentant, and she too has thrown in her lot with this fearless band.

Key to their success is the magic of the dragons' cauldron. But he cauldron is cracked, and to mend it they must reach the enchanted traveling mountain and engage the help of the fabled Snail man and the powerful Smith. Since the war against all dragons as escalated under the rule of the human king, Butcher, their journey is a dangerous one. The obstacles are endless, but so too are theqesters' determination and resourcefulness. just when they think hat they are within reach of their final goal, they face the biggest challenge of all....

Customer Reviews:

great addition to this series.......2005-08-22

This book is a great addition to this series. My daughter and I have loved this book and all the others.

A highly unique fantasy true to characters and storyline.......2001-03-17

Much as I love all types of books, fantasy has been my favorite for as long as I can remember. So, considering that I have read extensively in this field, I have read all the cleshaes to the point where I can almost guess the ending two chapters into most books. This series I'm happy to say, is in a league all it's own. It's completely unlike any series I've ever read before, and I have to say I'm releaved that there actually is a fantasy series where male and female characters treat each other equaly, and female characters can be just as strong as male characters. Anyway, in this book (which is third in this incredible series) Monkey tells the tale as the book picks up basically where the previous one (told by Shimmer) left off, as they continue their quest to try to restore the inland sea. At first I was a little irritated at having Monkey tell this segment of the adventure; I wanted more Shimmer! but I quickly warmed up to him, and to the hillarious irony with which he tells the story. This book was also largely character based, focusing a lot of the interrelations of the characters, as Monkey begins to build a bond with Thorn, a saintly young human boy, who is very jealous of Shimmer's favoritism to newcommer Indigo. (a human girl) This book also has plenty of exciting action and adventure scenes though, and tons of suspense, so fans of action will not be dissapointed either. I would recommend reading the first two prior to this one, since it will make a lot more sense that way. Also, I would recommend these books to anyone from ten years old one up since in my opinion they are quite timeless.

3rd book out of a great series...........2001-03-01

The 3rd book out of a great series thata started with "Dragon of the Lost Sea", and "Dragon Steel". It uses a famous chinese character called monkey,(from "Journey to the West" {an 100-chapter book written during the chinese dynasty. *rare!*)Wise-cracking, witty, and unpredictable monkey tells the story from his point of view. Great fun, a good storybook to cuddle up with. I recommend reading the first book first to understand what is going on.

Good book.......2001-02-23

This was an extremely good book. it was a fantasy, but it had a little human touch to it. For example, two of the main characters, a monkey and a dragon, constantly tease each other. The author is very skilled, making even a monkey seem wise and dignified. The storyline is a bit overwrought, relying wholly on constant action rather than suspense. However, many people enjoy that more. All in all, I would say that it was better than a similiar book, Dragon of the Lost Sea, which happens to be by the same author. The books even have the same characters. Dragon Cauldron, however, used the mystery of magic to the better advantage of the story. This adds more fantasy to the sroryline, but it also makes parts of the book extremely confusing. In all, it was one of the best fantasies I have ever read.

Dragon Cauldron.......2001-01-09

The 3rd in a great series, Dragon Cauldron is the further adventures of the exiled dragon princess Shimmer and her 4 companions; the Monkey wizard, Civet the Witch, and human children Thorn and Indigo. I really enjoyed this book, though I dislike the way that Shimmer played favorites with Thorn and Indigo. It's all right to help a friend feel better, but not at the expense of another friend's feelings. I recommend this book to anyone enjoys a good tale of magic and dragons.

Average customer rating:

PERSONAL QUEST TO FREE HER CLAN
another great book in the series
ace shooters review
Dragon Steel
The Sequal

Dragon Steel
Laurence Yep
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064404862

Book Description

Returning to her underwater dragon kingdom expecting to be rewarded for capturing an enchantress, Shimmer and young Thorn instead must continue their quest to restore the dragon princess's clan to its ancestral home.A tale of dungeons, sea monsters, and magicians, this sequel to Dragon of the Lost Sea "will lure even more readers to [Yep's] legion of followers." —V. "The novel's fast pace [and] exciting action sequences mark this as a tale sure to delight fantasy lovers." —The ALAN Review.

Customer Reviews:

PERSONAL QUEST TO FREE HER CLAN.......2007-06-18

This book, second in a series based on Chinese dragon lore, chronicles the struggle of a strong-willed dragon princess as she continues her quest to find, free her clan from submarine bondage and reestablish them on the beloved land. Not having read the first book in this series put me at a slight disadvantage, although each book stands more or less on its own. Including summaries of previous action, Yep plunges readers into immediate action and maintains an exhausting literary pace as his heroine, Princess Shimmer, defies common sense and a host of evil or malicious creatures of fantasy.

Shimmer is driven to prove her royal worth and rescue her clan-- enslaved at forges where the steel is fashioned which will adorn the dragons' claws. Instead of being welcomed back as a heroine of sorts, with the evil witch, Civet, tied to her back, Shimmer and her human companion, a boy named Thorn, are thrown into the dungeons of her usurper uncle. Later they receive a reluctant, recalcitrant ally in the form of a slave girl named Indigo.

The three make bold escapes--encountering many weird, magical beings in her quest. Questions of personal loyalty, honor, and the value of self-sacrifice are threaded in between the fast-paced pages. Despite the dedicated efforts of the heroic team the ending proves unsatisfactory, as there remains a great deal of work to be done before Shimmer can achieve her dream--thus earning a place of honor among her disgraced clan. A fast read for middle-school students.

another great book in the series.......2005-08-22

I loved this book. My daughter and I have read this whole series and loved. We couldn't put the book down. A great read if you like dragons and the fantasy world.

ace shooters review.......2004-01-09

The author of this book is Laurence Yep, The name of this book is Dragon Steel. And it was publicist by Harper trophy. And this is a Fiction Fantasy book that takes place in mythevil times.

The main characters there was a very big and powerful dragon named Thorn. She was a good dragon with a nice family. One day she found out that some bad people captured her family. She vowed that it is time to find her relatives.

Thorn set out to look for her family. She searches all through the mountains and over the oceans. One day while she was searching over the ocean she came upon a little boy and little girl. Thorn asked them if they knew anything about her family. She told them the story about her family and what happened. The children said they knew about a king who captured these dragons and is holding them in his palace way far away in the country as slaves. Will Thorn find her family? Or will she give up?

My opinion of this book is that I did not like the book because I did not know that there was a book before I read Dragon Steel. And that the first book tell the begin of the story. So you should read the first book before you read this one. So read the first book or the book will not make that much cents to you, like what happen to me.

Dragon Steel.......2003-05-30

Dragon Steel is one of the most excellent books written by Laurence Yep.
I chose this book to read because we had a book assignment and I like stories about Dragons.
The story is about a princess that turns herself in to a dragon so she can get her house back in an under sea world from the evil Civet along with her two sidekicks Thorn and Indigo. Indigo is a girl. It is hard for her to admit that she can make any sort of mistake. Her mother died shortly after they went to the palace and Indigo said it was of heart failure. Then four years later her father died. I don't have anything about Thorn except that he is a boy because it really didn't tell much about him. In the middle of the book Thorn, Indigo, and Princess Shimmer get captured and thrown in the dungeon but the princess is tied up a wall with chains that is made from dragon steel that can't rust or bend because it has a spell on it. Also in the story is Lieutenant who is mean because he said that Indigo should be with her own kind and not with Thorn. Another Character in the story is the Grand Mage who is on the bad side and he tries to take the mirror from Indigo because she might break it and then it would be chaos in the vault.
I thought what magical thing worked the best is Princess Shimmer turning herself in to a dragon. What I thought was weird is Monkey spit on hair from his tail and turned in to many small monkeys. Another thing that I thought was weird is when the flame bird approaches the ocean and the ocean swell swept underneath and put out the fire on the flame bird that had neither flesh nor blood. My favorite part of the story is when Indigo and Thorn became very close to each other like brother and sister.
What surprised me is Indigo became a bit more talkative about her past when she and Thorn were in a storage room near her old home. One more thing that surprised me about Indigo is she became mean when she threatened to take off the paw of the dishwasher with a meat clever who had tried to steal her dinner.
I thought the book turned out to be really good with many surprises.
What I learned from the book is that you can become best friends with your worst enemies and that you have a reason to get mad if someone tries to steal from you.
One of my favorite characters in the book is Monkey because he does many different kinds of magic tricks like turning a needle in to a rod.
To find out if Princess Shimmer is going to save her house and the undersea world you'll have to read the book.

The Sequal.......2002-10-17

This book is the sequal to Dragon of the lost sea. I Liked this book better than the Dragon of the Lost sea because it had more adventure.I read this book right after the first book. I liked this book and would recomend this to people who like fantisy and adventure books. I thought this book was easy reading and very entertaining.

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