About This Book
Dragon's Gate is a powerful historical fiction novel set in 1867, following young Otter's journey from China to California. He arrives in the "Land of the Golden Mountain" to work alongside his father and uncle on the transcontinental railroad. The book explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, perseverance, and the harsh realities faced by Chinese laborers. Otter's personal quest to learn Western technology and bring it back to China adds a layer of purpose and hope to his challenging experiences. It's an excellent read for middle schoolers, offering a window into a significant period of American history and the resilience of its immigrant communities.
In 1867, Otter travels from Three Willows Village in China to California -- the Land of the Golden Mountain. There he will join his father and uncle. In spite of the presence of family, Otter is a stranger among the other Chinese in this new land. And where he expected to see a land of goldfields, he sees only vast, cold whiteness. But Otter's dream is to learn all he can, take the technology back to the Middle Kingdom, and free China from the Manchu invaders. Otter and the others board a machine that will change his life -- a train for which he would open the Dragon's Gate.
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Discussion Prompts
1
What challenges did Otter face when he first arrived in California, and how did he overcome them?
2
How does Otter's dream for China influence his actions and decisions throughout the story?
3
What does this book teach us about the lives of Chinese immigrants who built the transcontinental railroad?
4
How did Otter's feelings about being a "stranger" change as the story progressed?
5
If you were in Otter's shoes, what would be the hardest part of his journey?
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