- Paperback: 112 pages
- Publisher: Yearling (Nov 10 1998)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0440414962
- ISBN-13: 978-0440414964
- Product Dimensions: 18.8 x 13.2 x 1 cm
- Shipping Weight: 91 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Booklist
Gr. 4-7. Giles' poetic novel tells the story of Malila, a young Thai girl whose mother leaves her in the care of her grandmother after her father's sudden death. Later when she starts school, Malila learns that her father was a thief, and the village shuns her as unlucky. During her years at the village school, she repeatedly feels the "breath of the dragon" through the pain of rejection, loneliness, and self-doubt. As she grows to adolescence, Malila's world is dominated by her grandmother's ways and traditional Thai customs, and she finds solace in drawing pictures to accompany the stories her grandmother tells. Her artistic talent is eventually recognized and encouraged by a teacher, and as the story ends, Malila realizes the richness of her own gifts and heritage. The story is simply written, and the beauty of the Thai culture emerges on every page. A brief glossary helps with unfamiliar Thai words. Susan DeRonne
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From Kirkus Reviews
A young village girl in Thailand is introduced to early sorrows when her father is branded a thief and shot by police. In shame, her mother flees to America, leaving the unknowing Malila in the care of her wise grandmother. Malila joins her grandmother in threading a garland of orchids and jasmine for the san phra phum, the spirit house. This marks the beginning of Grandmother's reverential guidance in the many traditions of their country. When her father is pronounced suay, or unlucky, Malila is an outcast, and finds her own way through her love of drawing and her grandmother's life lessons, from listening to the voice of the river to attending a kite contest. When her grandmother dies and Malila has to leave for America, she carries with her the inner strength to gain sanouk, the joy of living. Strong, sympathetic characters and the evocative Thai setting are an integral part of this well-told story with the universal theme of overcoming adversity; it's a quick read, but a rich one, and a humble obeisance to the uncertainties of growing up. (b&w illustrations, not seen, glossary) (Fiction. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredibly Moving!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Breath of the Dragon (Hardcover)
I used to live in Thailand and I was worried how true to the culture the book was going to be. Not to worry, this book is wonderful. I can't believe how good it is. I'm glad I bought it and will highly recommend it to my Peace Corps friends.
5.0 out of 5 stars
BEAUTIFUL!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Breath of the Dragon (Hardcover)
I was so touched by the beautiful language and touching portrait of Malila. Every child has experienced ostracism at some point and this is an excellent story how one child not only survives it, but flourishes. Keep a hanky handy! A fantastic story to read aloud!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Teachers---Take Note!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Breath of the Dragon (Paperback)
By the time I was reading the final three chapters aloud to my class, there was not a dry eye amongst my charges. I had my students write letters to Malila (the main character) and the depth of empathy revealed in this assignment pored its soul in their expression.
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