The Earth Dragon Awakes by Lawrence Yep
Though slightly choppy and confusing through the first chapter, the wrinkles iron out by chapter two and Yep's readers are well on their way to experiencing a very real 1906 Californian earthquake. The enormity and devastation of the earthquake is expertly conveyed through concise words that follow the path of two different children in two different parts of the city as their families struggle to escape the crushed city. Expository text interjected between narrations explains the geology behind the boys' experiences during the difficult twelve day period in which a bustling San Francisco collapses into ashes and rubble. The friendship between the two young, culturally opposite characters, Henry and Ah Sing, is the basis for this fast-paced story. Yep provides an afterword, photographs, and reading suggestions to help the most curious readers develop a framework for the thoughts and actions consistent with the time period. With short chapters and uncomplicated sentences revealing a perfect balance of fact and fiction, expect nothing less than a wonderful read-aloud.
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