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mhugie2's review
4.0
This book was a slow start for me and honestly the only reason I made it past a few chapters was because it was for a book club. I'm so glad I finished it though! It was educational and an emotional ride. I ended up loving it and think that everyone should read it. I definitely understand how it won the Newbury award.
wardo2700's review
4.0
It took a few chapters for this story to hook me. Once it did the adventures of the main character kept me interested. The story is based on historical fact so the author made sure his story was accurate. There are quite a few intense portions so I’d recommend this book to any reader over 12.
topdragon's review
4.0
I chose to read this YA historical novel because it was part of my kid’s school curriculum but I hadn’t realized it was the third novel in a 10-book series. No matter; this read as a complete story in itself with a beginning, a middle, and an end and I was quite satisfied to read it as a stand-alone novel (although, it’s quality will likely result in my seeking out the other books in the series).
As I understand it, the series as a whole relates the lengthy tale of the Youngs family of Three Willows Village in China and their ongoing fascination with the Land of the Golden Mountain (America). This novel features a young man named Otter and his adventures from his home in China all the way to his hardship labor in California, drilling tunnels for the railroad. Most of the novel occurs in America in the year 1867 and in most respects, is a coming-of-age novel. It’s a great way for students to learn about the historical aspects of early Chinese immigrants, the incredible hardships of railroad construction, as well as the cultural pitfalls of trying to integrate with other, dissimilar cultures. It is certainly historically accurate but it also is a heart-warming story of a young person’s gradual growth into adulthood.
As I understand it, the series as a whole relates the lengthy tale of the Youngs family of Three Willows Village in China and their ongoing fascination with the Land of the Golden Mountain (America). This novel features a young man named Otter and his adventures from his home in China all the way to his hardship labor in California, drilling tunnels for the railroad. Most of the novel occurs in America in the year 1867 and in most respects, is a coming-of-age novel. It’s a great way for students to learn about the historical aspects of early Chinese immigrants, the incredible hardships of railroad construction, as well as the cultural pitfalls of trying to integrate with other, dissimilar cultures. It is certainly historically accurate but it also is a heart-warming story of a young person’s gradual growth into adulthood.
roseleaf24's review
4.0
This got off to a slow start for me, but it ended strong. So much historical context here; the book focuses on the Chinese immigrants working on the transcontinental railroad, blasting tunnels through the Sierra Nevadas, but shows the connections between the Manchu rule in China, the Opium Wars, and the Gold Rush. Beautifully written.
littlehouse88's review
3.0
This was a school book for my kids. (I read it to them.) I didn’t realize that it was the middle of a series. It was great as a stand alone book.
roshk99's review
2.0
Historical fiction about a Chinese boy during the Industrial Revolution/Railroad Building time period, not impressive
zeydejd's review
3.0
altogether an okay book. the writing itself was a bit amateur, or at least middle school-level, especially the dialogue. that was almost painful. the story itself though is what really matters in this novel, as it takes the history of the transcontinental railroad, one of the greatest american achievements, often connected in american history classes with the concept of manifest destiny, and tells the story of the many chinese immigrants who suffered brutal conditions to make it happen.
dctigue's review
4.0
This is a book that a student would not pick up, but I could recommend. Good historical fiction.
redraven01's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
serberr's review
5.0
This book will always hold a special place in my heart as the first 100+ page book I ever read. It introduced my 8 year old self to a completely unfamiliar area of history, and I absorbed the entire thing in only a day. Must re-read.