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Dragon's Gate by Laurence Yep
Book Summary Novel Activities Vocabulary Words Writing Activities Discussion Topics Online Test
Otter is well known in his Chinese community. His father and uncle work in California-The Land of the Golden Mountain. They are helping to build the railroad. Otter thinks this is very glamorous because his father and uncle always have great tales to tell when they come home, and they always bring back lots of money. He wishes he could join then. After a brawl with a local, Otter has to flee the Middle Kingdom and go to California to be with his father and uncle. Once he is there he realizes the true backbreaking work of building the railroad. He is sad when he sees how his father and uncle are treated. It is dangerous work and not without consequence. Eventually, Otter's father becomes blind and his uncle is killed. Will Otter become a hero somehow and earn the respect of his peers and his family? Students will surely read to find out!
1. Have a class discussion about whether Otter is more of a Stranger or Young.
2. Draw Otter in his traditional clothes and in his guest clothes.
3. Otter realized that sometimes having your wish come true can be the cruelest thing of all. Make three wishes. Look at them carefully and think of how any one of them could actually bring you misery.
4. Research frostbite. How does it happen and how is it cured?
5. Discuss how Otter's life may have been different if he was not adopted.
insolent indignation chasm calamity prophet
pragmatically crevasse surly beacon palavering harangue magistrate
Sensory/Descriptive Essay: Write a travel journal from Otter's perspective describing his trip from China to America. Describe every aspect of the trip in detail.
Imaginative/Narrative Essay: Otter realizes that his mother gives him pretty good advice. Write about some good advice that was given to you by your parents. Describe the situation and the advice they gave you.
Analytical Essay: A symbol is something concrete that stands for something abstract. A symbol can be a person, place, thing, or action. It can stand for an idea, belief, feeling, or attitude. A symbol has significance beyond its literal self. The main characters always refer to the mountain as a tiger. Analyze what the tiger is a symbol for in the novel.
Practical Informative Essay: Uncle Fox was mad that the Americans did not live up to what they agreed to in the work contract. Write a new contract as if you were Uncle Fox. What would you make sure was in that agreement?
Chapter Two:“ Mother herself didn't give a leaf for anyone else's opinion.”
Chapter Four: "You can't let other people live your life for you.”
Chapter Ten: "Just because there's tarnish on the copper, doesn't mean there's not a shine beneath.”
Chapter Twenty-Five: "There's no magic. It's what's inside you.”
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