Dragon’s Gate

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yep, Laurence. 1993. DRAGON’S GATE. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. ISBN 0-06-440489-7

AWARD(S) and STARS

• John Newbery Medal, Honor Book, 1994
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, 2005

PLOT SUMMARY
Part of the Golden Mountain Chronicles, Dragon’s Gate is the story of Otter, adopted by a wealthy family friend living in Three Willows Village, China. Through an unfortunate accident, he kills a Manchu and must leave his “charmed life” to go to the “Land of the Golden Mountain”- America, to work with his Uncle Firefox and Father Squeaky constructing the transcontinental railroad. Otter befriends a young westerner named Sean, the son of the railroad bosses, realizing he’s an “outcast among outcasts,” yet heir to his uncle’s dreams and wisdom, he learns to “change things or go on being changed by events.” Through his tribulations and those of others – frostbite, whippings, explosions and an avalanche, Otter shows his ingenuity and backbone becoming the man he’s meant to be.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Laurence Yep weaves the events of 1865 to 1869 as he tells the story of 14-year-old Otter, the heir of his adoptive father Squeaky and Uncle Foxfire. He begins the story with great detail depicting the time and events occurring in China. The Chinese culture emerges throughout the book sometimes through conversations between Otter and his friend Sean like when they talk about chopsticks and forks. Vivid descriptions bring the reader to each scene, for example, “storm clouds like black-hulled warships on the attack” or “the (snow-covered) ridge reminded me of a tiger crouching, ready to spring.” Readers will relate to Otter as he changes becoming strong and unites his fellow workers.

Throughout the book Yep uses italics to indicate when the characters are speaking English instead of a Chinese dialect. At the conclusion of the book, an afterwards tells about the writing of Dragon’s Gate, the real events within the story and thanks to those who made it possible. Yep also includes a brief list of references aiding those interested in learning more about these events.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• BOOKLIST (1994) – “This is an engaging survival-adventure story, a social history, a heroic quest. While the long tale brings together the many hardships known to have been suffered by Chinese laborers--cold and hunger, poverty and exhaustion, maimings and death--it is leavened by some humor. The language has an appealing naturalism, and the concerns (equality, identity, family loyalty, ethnic conflict) are universally human.”
• KIRKUS (1993) – “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.”
• SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (1994) – “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.”

CONNECTIONS

• This story is the tale of a Chinese immigrant during the construction of the transcontinental railroad. There are other tales of Chinese immigrants. Offering an array of books both fiction and nonfiction about immigration would enrich the knowledge of the “melting pot” of America and strengthen students’ understanding of diversity. Here are a few books to consider:
• THE DRAGON’S CHILD: A STORY OF ANGEL ISLAND by Lawrence Yep, ISBN 978-0060276928
• PUZZLE OF THE PAPER DAUGHTER: A JULIE MYSTERY by Kathryn Reiss, ISBN 978-1593696580
• LANDED by Milly Lee, ISBN 978-0374343149
• THE GOLD RUSH: CHINESE IMMIGRANTS COME TO AMERICA (1848-1882) by Jeremy Thornton, ISBN 978-0823989591

·         The building of the transcontinental railroad was a momentous occasion in United States history. Researching about the construction of the railroad and its effects would make students realize its effect. Also learning about the railroad and its uses today would help students realize its impact. If available, visiting a nearby railroad museum would be invaluable. To start, visiting Yahoo! Kids list of eight sites: http://kids.yahoo.com/directory/Around-the-World/Countries/United-States/History/Westward-Movement/Transcontinental-Railroad .