"Dragonwings" is a children's historical novel written by Chinese American author Laurence Yep. Initially published in 1975, the story draws inspiration from the life of Fung Joe Guey (Feng Ru), a Chinese immigrant who arrived in the United States in the early 1900s and gained recognition as a pioneer airplane designer and aviator.
Part of Laurence Yep's Golden Mountain Chronicles, a series exploring the extensive history of Chinese immigration to America, "Dragonwings" holds a significant place as the fifth book in the sequence. The novel was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal in 1976 and won the International Reading Association Children's Book Award. In 1995, it received the Phoenix Award from the Children's Literature Association.
The narrative is centered around the protagonist, Moon Shadow Lee, a seven-year-old boy living on a family farm in China with his mother and grandmother. Moon Shadow's father, Windrider Lee, left for America before his son's birth, aspiring to create a better life for the family. Moon Shadow's journey unfolds as he joins his father in America, navigating challenges such as cultural differences, bullying, and the rebuilding of their lives in the aftermath of the devastating San Francisco earthquake.
The novel explores themes of family, dreams, and the Chinese American experience. It delves into traditional Chinese mythology and weaves a tale of resilience and determination. Moon Shadow and Windrider's bond, the pursuit of dreams, and the challenges faced by the Chinese community in America are central to the rich narrative of "Dragonwings."
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