DRAGON'S GATE (genre 5 book 2)

Fifteen year old Otter dreams of traveling from China to America to be with his father and uncle. Ironically, a terrible accident makes his dream possible but he is soon disillusioned with the reality. In the midst of the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1867, this 1994 Newbery Honor book illustrates the hardships of poverty, prejudice, and physical danger endured by immigrants of the time.

Yep's characters such as Otter's uncle, whom he worships are made believable to readers. The adventure of the dangerous conditions portrayed such as frost bite and avalanches will hold a reader's attention. However, it is Otter's emotions as he endures and becomes stronger which will touch the heart.


Review Excerpts:
"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

"Told with humanity and compassion... a tribute to the survival and courage of these immigrants." -1994 Newbery Committee

"Yep uses the lively storytelling techniques of his ``Dragon'' fantasy-adventure novels to re-create a stirring historical event" -School Library Journal


Connections:
*Have readers research the Transcontinental Railroad. They can locate the railway on a map or draw their own. They can also write a letter home as if they were workers on the railroad including how they live and what they see.

*Have readers research when and how Chinese workers came to America. Key events and information can be noted such as locations involving Chinese workers, immigration laws, and labor laws of the time period.


Yep. Laurence. 1995. Dragon's Gate. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780064404891