tami_provencher's review
4.0
Jason Parker lives in Japan with his parents, who teach at a university, and his younger sister, Cora. He is in the 6th grade although he's a year older than his Japanese classmates, having had to repeat a grade when his family moved to Japan.
When I started Falling Into the Dragon's Mouth I thought it would be a story about noticing and adapting to cultural differences. In fact, Jason's story is nor so much about 'fitting in' as it is a story about being both a victim and a bystander of bullying.
The story begins when Jason's class receives their new seat assignments for the next two months:
Jason endures physical as well as emotional bullying. Like so many children his age he chooses not to tell his parents, fearing the consequences for him at school will be worse of they speak to his teacher--or some of the other parents. His mother realizes his behavior indicates something is going on but Jason speaks clearly about how trapped he feels in his situation; he doesn't see any way to make it better or get help:
Although Jason finds some peace and safety in his English class and at the dojo where he studies aikido, when he comes home with a bloodied and swollen lip his mother senses things are more serious than Jason is admitting:
Told in free verse, Jason's story builds to a final, harrowing bully incident at the hands of some of his classmates. I like the fact that the story does not end with this incident, that it continues to show what Jason and his parents do to try and effect a lasting change for other students:
Jason talks about feeling betrayed by someone he thought was a friend who ended up in a bystander role and how that was more hurtful to him than the actions of the actual bully. When Jason talks about the "counseling group" that comes to speak to the students afterward his description could easily apply to almost any 6th grade class in Japan or here in the U.S.:
And he eloquently explains what he would wish the school to be like:
Falling Into the Dragon's Mouth is an excellent independent or read-aloud choice for upper elementary or middle school readers. As a read-aloud it offers countless opportunities for conversation and discussion about bullying, what it feels like to be different and what it's like to accept and appreciate differences in ourselves and others. It also offers a chance to talk about what is involved in making sure we do not stand silently by when someone is being hurt--physically or verbally--by an individual or small group. This book has the potential to be a powerful driving force behind readers' ideas and insights...and consequently, their actions.
When I started Falling Into the Dragon's Mouth I thought it would be a story about noticing and adapting to cultural differences. In fact, Jason's story is nor so much about 'fitting in' as it is a story about being both a victim and a bystander of bullying.
The story begins when Jason's class receives their new seat assignments for the next two months:
I hope for at least
one friend
and by friend
I don't mean
what I used to mean by friend
before I moved to Japan
before I started here
at this school once called
Dragon's Mouth
by friend I just mean
anyone who doesn't
punch me
for using the wrong word
kick me
for having an accent
or call me
stinking foreigner
but this time
I get no friends
Jason endures physical as well as emotional bullying. Like so many children his age he chooses not to tell his parents, fearing the consequences for him at school will be worse of they speak to his teacher--or some of the other parents. His mother realizes his behavior indicates something is going on but Jason speaks clearly about how trapped he feels in his situation; he doesn't see any way to make it better or get help:
What can I say?
it's not like I have a choice
to go or not go
to that school
there's nothing to explain I say
she sighs and gives up
on trying to get me to talk
and says I think you need to make
more effort, Jason Parker
Although Jason finds some peace and safety in his English class and at the dojo where he studies aikido, when he comes home with a bloodied and swollen lip his mother senses things are more serious than Jason is admitting:
Mom gives me a long look
I'm listening, J
whenever you want to talk
about what?
I quickly say
because I can't imagine
life would get better
if Mom talked to
Oshina-sensei
and stirred things up
in the Dragon's Mouth
things are fine I say
I just need to make
more effort
Told in free verse, Jason's story builds to a final, harrowing bully incident at the hands of some of his classmates. I like the fact that the story does not end with this incident, that it continues to show what Jason and his parents do to try and effect a lasting change for other students:
and as Mom and Dad say
things might not change overnight
but at least people are now talking
an d at least some are listening
and at least some are taking action
Jason talks about feeling betrayed by someone he thought was a friend who ended up in a bystander role and how that was more hurtful to him than the actions of the actual bully. When Jason talks about the "counseling group" that comes to speak to the students afterward his description could easily apply to almost any 6th grade class in Japan or here in the U.S.:
but no one in class
wants to say too much
no one wants to rat
on anyone else
no one yet trusts
they won't be a target
in the future
if they say too much
And he eloquently explains what he would wish the school to be like:
that I don't want kids to just watch
when something's wrong
that I want our school to teach respect
Falling Into the Dragon's Mouth is an excellent independent or read-aloud choice for upper elementary or middle school readers. As a read-aloud it offers countless opportunities for conversation and discussion about bullying, what it feels like to be different and what it's like to accept and appreciate differences in ourselves and others. It also offers a chance to talk about what is involved in making sure we do not stand silently by when someone is being hurt--physically or verbally--by an individual or small group. This book has the potential to be a powerful driving force behind readers' ideas and insights...and consequently, their actions.
aprilbooksandwine's review
3.0
Falling Into The Dragon’s Mouth by Holly Thompson is a middle grade verse book and quite different from other middle grade verse books that I have read. Read my full review here
ibmisterb's review
5.0
I'm always a sucker for young adult novels told through verse. This one is a must-read. A story of courage for anyone who has ever felt out of place.
amdame1's review
3.0
This novel in verse tells the story of 6th grader, Jason Parker. He is an American boy living in Japan with his family. He struggles to fit in, deals with bullying, takes care of his sister, and is learning aikido.
A good read for those who have ever had a hard time fitting in with their peer group. Also of interest for those who want to learn more about Japan and Japanese culture, especially in a small fishing village.
A good read for those who have ever had a hard time fitting in with their peer group. Also of interest for those who want to learn more about Japan and Japanese culture, especially in a small fishing village.
booksandbosox's review
3.0
I read this because of my love of novels in verse. I think it works well for the story here, which tells of a boy bullied for being a foreigner in his Japanese classroom. There are other things happening as well, but this is mainly a bullying story. I felt a little like it ended too quickly after the bullying came to a head, but overall, it was a decent read.
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