Night Sky Dragons

Gr 2–4—This rich, engaging story is a welcome addition to historical fiction, introducing life along the Silk Road. Yazul lives in a han, a walled town where merchants could find shelter and safety, of which his father is the lord. Yazul's father disapproves of his interest in kite-making and wants him to learn to run the han instead. When bandits lay siege to the town, however, it is Yazul's skill and ingenuity that provide a solution and, ultimately, inspire his father's admiration. The writing is wonderfully descriptive, creating a realistic setting, a quick-moving plot, and sympathetic characters with minimal text. Throughout the book, watercolor illustrations perfectly complement the action while providing additional plot and historical details that allow readers to imagine more fully the time and place. Although the latter aren't specified, the uniqueness of the story and its setting make it a wonderful offering for readers looking for a far-flung, adventure-filled story.—Marian McLeod, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT