Dragonwings

Laurence Yep

Cover of Dragonwings

Dragonwings

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1903

by Laurence Yep

Reading Level 6 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read
Newbery Honor

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

The clang of metal and the scent of oil fill the air as Moon Shadow watches his father work tirelessly on a strange flying machine. Far from the home he once knew, he feels the buzz of a new world and the warmth of a growing bond. Can their dream soar above the noise and hardship?

Themes

Fathers and SonsFamilyMulticulturalHistoricalPerseverance

Quick Assessment

Set in early 20th-century San Francisco, this middle-grade novel explores the relationship between a young boy and his father, who is determined to build a flying machine despite many obstacles. The story touches on themes of family, cultural identity, and perseverance amid poverty and discrimination. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides historical insight with mild depictions of hardship and resilience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 2 — Mild
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Poverty & Hardship Mild Peril Separation from Family
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

248 pages
ISBN
9780064400855
Pages
248
Publisher
Harper Collins
Published
1995
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Fathers and SonsChinese AmericansChildren's Plays, American1906 San Francisco EarthquakeChinatownNewbery HonorLarge Type BooksAeronauticsAccelerated Reader6.6Juvenie FictionFathers and Songs

Places

San Francisco (Calif.)