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research_department's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Stats: middle grades fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore, multiple third person POV/past tense
I’ll preface my review by saying that I haven’t read any middle grade books in many, many years. I am not the target audience for this book, which might account for some of my quibbles.
Minli, a plucky young girl, accompanied by a flightless dragon (named Dragon), is on a quest to ask The Old Man of the Moon how to change her family’s fortune. We simultaneously see how her parents are coping with her absence. Throughout, small stories, modeled on folktales, are liberally interspersed in the framing story which also has the character of a folktale. This structure made it difficult to really connect at first, and I really only started to enjoy this once I was a third of the way in. On her journey, Minli meets several charming and wise characters, ranging from an orphan boy to a king. Meanwhile, we also see her parents’ growth while she is gone. Several moral messages are delivered, including the value of relationships and the evil of greed; I just wish the messaging had been a little bit more light handed. Perhaps that’s an unfair criticism given the age of the intended audience. Despite the criticisms, I found this book quietly lovely.
hildamarie's review against another edition
4.0
As soon as my daughter finished this book, she passed it to me saying, "You have got to read this!" And I am so glad I did. This is the story of a girl who must go on a journey to change her family's fortunes. Like a Chinese Dorothy, she gets there with the help of some friends, and she learns a very important lesson about home. The short stories that connects the larger adventure together are a wonderful mix of folk tale
And imagination. A great read!
And imagination. A great read!
mahaliahp's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
This is a great upper-elementary/middle-grade fantasy read with a strong message of generosity, gratitude, and perseverance. Minli is a great protagonist. I love how the folk stories are woven in to give more context to events in the book. If you are a teacher, this would be a good read-aloud book or great for book clubs!
selahsariah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
uponthedowns's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emily_britton's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A very sweet and imaginative story. The kids really enjoyed hearing it.
kidlitlove's review against another edition
5.0
What a wonderful book! It is a great way to learn about some of Chinese folk/fairy tales. It has whetted my interest for learning more! This would be a great read-aloud.