12-year-old Haoyou and his cousin Mipeng join the Jade Circus after shanghaeing Di Chou, the man who was to marry his mother. Haoyou is the circus' kite rider and in this role, he earns money and fame. Miao is the circus master and a sort of father figure to Haoyou. Being around Miao, Haoyou learns that Miao is royalty, of the Sung Dynasty. Haoyou also learns that blind obedience isn't necessarily a good thing.

It's about the adventures of a young Chinese boy at the beginning of the Mongol rule; he learns painfully and slowly that simple obedience to elders and the teachings of others isn't an answer to all life's challenges. It was a decent read, interesting and well-written. However, I was expecting something much lighter and more fun when I picked it up (a long time ago, but I remember) and had a bit of a shock. This is a pretty bloody book, and one full of bitterness and pain for the characters. That being the case, I'm not especially inclined to look out more of McCaughrean's work. ( )

RGG: Shady Hill School 5th Grade Reading. Set during the time of Mongol Kublai Khan, 13th century. Full of period details, custom, and culture. But at points violence may be too graphic for some young readers.

Au temps de l'invasion mongole, un jeune garçon doit faire vivre sa famille après la mort de son père. Il devient fabricant de cerf-volants. Doué, il est pris par un cirque mais le grand Khan est intéressé par ces cerfs-volants pour la guerre...

Such a frustrating book to read, in an amazing why. I was drawn into this wonderful yet heart wrenching of a story. I found myself loathing multiple characters and questioning the motive/reasoning/ and thought process of the main character (a young boy who does everything that he is told to do, which drove me crazy). Very well written, as the author provides a great story and that the reader is easily transported back to China in the 13th century. The author does provide background information in an afterward about the 13th century and Kublai Khan. From my knowledge I would have to say that the book does accurately reflect the values and the norms of the Chinese culture. The author does a great job in bringing this story to life by the dialog of the characters, providing with a detailed setting, honest and accurate facts thus making this a believable story. Such a good story that I want to read more about and learn more of Chinese history and culture. I would think that many young children would enjoy this book due to the lack of exposure to Chinese history. This story deals with many problems that still are relevant in today's society (racism, poverty, family relations, substance abuse, etc...).
Ages 12 and up ( )