I was so glad that I chose this book to read because it is one I think I can get boys interested in. It is always tough to get boys to read things in class, much less read things in class and enjoy them. However, this book has two things going for it when it comes to appealing to boys: the main character is a boy and is going on an adventure and it is historical fiction which is always good. The boys always seem to want to learn about things that really happened.
While I did not really have any way to connect to this book personally, Yep does a great job of describing the hardships that the Chinese faced during the Civil War while trying to build the transcontinental railroad. To my dismay, I discovered that the Chinese were basically treated as slaves and forced to work in horrible conditions and overcome seemingly impossible odds.
I also enjoyed watching the relationship between Otter and his adoptive father, Uncle Foxfire. I think their relationship exemplifies what a lot of young people experience today and that is learning to depend on adults in their lives who are not necessarily their biological parents.
Overall, I would say this is a good read. It is not overwhelmingly suspenseful or action-packed, but it does contain valuable lessons on trust and determination.
Other books by Lawrence Yep include:
The Serpent's Children
Mountain Light
Dragon's gate
The Traitor
Dragonwings
The Red Warrior
Child of the Owl
Sea Glass
Thief of Hearts
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