Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

Bibliography
Yep, Laurence. 1975. Dragonwings. New York: Harper Collins.

ISBN: 0-06-026738-0

Summary
Eight year old, Moon Shadow arrives in San Francisco to live and work with his father, Windrider, in the laundry business. After several years and trials, Moon Shadow and Windrider leave the laundry business to make Windrider's dream of flying in an airplane come true.

Critical Analysis
Highly acclaimed writer, Laurence Yep, provides a fresh perspective of San Francisco in the early 1900's. Through Yep's eloquently written historical fiction novel, Dragonwings, we get a glimpse of life as a Chinese American and the hardships endured during this time. Yep's descriptive novel gives us a taste of the traditions and culture of Chinese Americans.

Each one of Yep's characters are magnificently portrayed, with their given names as descriptors of their being. For example, Lefty is the name of the man without a hand, Black Dog is the name of the ill-mannered cousin, and the character that dreams of flying (Father) is named Windrider. Also, one of the European American character's name is Miss Whitlaw, which closely resembles the word Whitelaw. The Asian American names are also representative of Asian American cultural markers.

One of the first cultural markers is found when Moon Shadow arrives in San Francisco. He notices the buildings in the town of the Tang people are decorated in red, green, and gold, with lions at the door front protecting the people inside against harm, and the roofs tiled and arched, like they would be in his homeland (19).

There are many examples of other cultural markers throughout the entire story. The Chinese people are referred to as Tang people. Moon Shadow explains this is a reference to the Tang dynasty. Also, on page 48, Moon Shadow explains Uncle is eating with chopsticks. On page 53, Moon Shadow explains how the Tang men wear their hair. Their hairstyle is called a queue. A queue is a braid of hair usually worn at the back of the head. Many times, Moon Shadow mentions the importance of dragons in the Chinese beliefs. Moon Shadow states Chinese people believe dragons are creatures that can bring good or bad to people. Dragons are honored by the Chinese, and their belief is different than Robin's beliefs about dragons (108).

More cultural markers are seen when Moon Shadow and his father go live in Miss Whitlaw's stable. Father decorates their home with Monkey, Buddha-to-be, a cup of soil and incense. They also present Miss Whitlaw with a picture of the Stove King. Father explains that the Stove King is the Chinese Saint of the Kitchen (102).

On page 150, Moon Shadow mentions the Feast of Pure Brightness. This is a custom celebrated by the Chinese people where they honor their deceased relatives by bringing food to the grave sites and telling them stories about the past year. Also, Moon Shadow explains the Tang people that have died will one day be returned to their homeland, where they will be able to completely rest.

Yep's entire story is truly a Asian American cultural marker since it is told through the eyes of a young Chinese boy that has just moved to San Fransisco. Through out the story, Moon Shadow provides explanations of his experiences and clarifies the Chinese influences of the way of this people. This story is perfect to enlighten everyone in the way of life for Chinese Americans.

Review Excerpts
School Library Journal reports, "Yep draws heavily on his own heritage, but also includes figures such as Teddy Roosevelt and the Wright Brothers, and historic events such as the San Francisco Earthquake. The result is a heartwarming story set in a familiar time and place, but told from a new perspective" (2002).

Booklist states, "A fine, sensitive novel written with grace in a way that conveys the Chinese American's cultural heritage."

Review excerpts accessed from http://www.amazon.com/

Connections
Laurence Yep has written picture books, collections, novels, and series for children and young adults, using his Asian American culture as inspiration for many of his works.

Some of his books are:
Sweetwater
Child of the Owl
Dragon's Gate
Mountain Light
Tongues of Jade
Later, Gator
Cockroach Cooties