I. BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Yep, Laurence. 1993. DRAGON’S GATE. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN0060229713
II. SUMMARY
Otter has always wanted to join his adoptive father and uncle in America. He is captivated by the wealth and experiences they have accumulated. When he accidentally kills a Manchu, his mother sends him to America to work on the railroads with his adoptive father. Otter is shocked at the brutal conditions, as he finds his uncle and father in a chilly mountain working on a tunnel. Otter is ultimately challenged to face the harsh realities of the mountain and stand up to the bosses.
III. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
DRAGON’S GATE is an excellent historical fiction novel that authentically captures both life in China and America in the 1860s. Otter is an unlikely hero, first presented as a coddled young boy, favored by his teacher. Ultimately, he grows into a strong man amongst the harsh conditions of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Each character in DRAGON’S GATE is fully captured. Most notably, the friendship created between Otter, a Chinese rail worker and Sean, an Irish-American also working on the railroad is full of humor and insight. This relationship allows the reader to see the differences and similarities between cultures.
There are many cultural markers in the text of the story. From the beginning, the setting in China is described in detail. Particular focus is placed on the local politics and variety of regional differences within China. As outsiders, it is easy to think of it as one country, but through this novel, the reader learns of the struggles many groups faced. In addition, as in America, groups fought against inequality and prejudices.
As Otter is forced to flee China and join his adoptive father in America, more cultural markers are presented. Otter shares his food with Sean, and it is obvious Sean is not used to that type of food. Sean also asks Otter about his use of chopsticks. In addition, the Chinese workers have boiled the snow and made tea to protect them from disease.
Overall, this historical fiction is captivating and engaging. Yep brings to life a period in history that is not often discussed. He does not sugarcoat the harsh conditions the people faced in the mountains. The conditions were treacherous and those that survived were fortunate to do so. Not only did they have to cope with cold weather, but also the managers were cruel and often unfair to their workers.
IV. REVIEW EXCERPTS
1994 Newbery Honor Book
“Combining believable characters with thrilling adventure, Yep convinces readers that the Chinese railroad workers were indeed men to match the towering mountains of the west. Because the first few chapters, set in China, may be a bit confusing to children who have not read the previous two books, this will likely need booktalking.”—School Library Journal
“In a story enlivened with humor and heroism, Yep pays tribute to the immigrants who played such a vital role in our country's history.”—Kirkus Reviews
V. CONNECTIONS
**Present this work in a booktalk including Yep’s other titles in his Golden Mountain Chronicles.
Yep, Laurence. 1993. DRAGON’S GATE. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN0060229713
II. SUMMARY
Otter has always wanted to join his adoptive father and uncle in America. He is captivated by the wealth and experiences they have accumulated. When he accidentally kills a Manchu, his mother sends him to America to work on the railroads with his adoptive father. Otter is shocked at the brutal conditions, as he finds his uncle and father in a chilly mountain working on a tunnel. Otter is ultimately challenged to face the harsh realities of the mountain and stand up to the bosses.
III. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
DRAGON’S GATE is an excellent historical fiction novel that authentically captures both life in China and America in the 1860s. Otter is an unlikely hero, first presented as a coddled young boy, favored by his teacher. Ultimately, he grows into a strong man amongst the harsh conditions of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Each character in DRAGON’S GATE is fully captured. Most notably, the friendship created between Otter, a Chinese rail worker and Sean, an Irish-American also working on the railroad is full of humor and insight. This relationship allows the reader to see the differences and similarities between cultures.
There are many cultural markers in the text of the story. From the beginning, the setting in China is described in detail. Particular focus is placed on the local politics and variety of regional differences within China. As outsiders, it is easy to think of it as one country, but through this novel, the reader learns of the struggles many groups faced. In addition, as in America, groups fought against inequality and prejudices.
As Otter is forced to flee China and join his adoptive father in America, more cultural markers are presented. Otter shares his food with Sean, and it is obvious Sean is not used to that type of food. Sean also asks Otter about his use of chopsticks. In addition, the Chinese workers have boiled the snow and made tea to protect them from disease.
Overall, this historical fiction is captivating and engaging. Yep brings to life a period in history that is not often discussed. He does not sugarcoat the harsh conditions the people faced in the mountains. The conditions were treacherous and those that survived were fortunate to do so. Not only did they have to cope with cold weather, but also the managers were cruel and often unfair to their workers.
IV. REVIEW EXCERPTS
1994 Newbery Honor Book
“Combining believable characters with thrilling adventure, Yep convinces readers that the Chinese railroad workers were indeed men to match the towering mountains of the west. Because the first few chapters, set in China, may be a bit confusing to children who have not read the previous two books, this will likely need booktalking.”—School Library Journal
“In a story enlivened with humor and heroism, Yep pays tribute to the immigrants who played such a vital role in our country's history.”—Kirkus Reviews
V. CONNECTIONS
**Present this work in a booktalk including Yep’s other titles in his Golden Mountain Chronicles.
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