"The Dragon’s Song" is a one-of-a-kind reading experience. I think this is the first time I have read a children’s book where the characters have to journey to another country, in an attempt to escape oppressive conditions in their country of origin. This story is deep and prolific on so many levels. As soon as I started reading it, I immediately knew I would give it a 5-star rating. I definitely think middle schoolers, young adults, and older adults with young hearts, will enjoy giving this book a read. I know I did.
The story focuses mostly on Bao. He is our main character. The setting is Vietnam and the country is under the dictatorship of a Communist regime. After witnessing his parents being beaten and taken by Communist soldiers, he seeks refuge with his uncle and his uncle's family. Eventually, he and his cousin, Binh Pham, have to make the arduous journey to the US, where a better life awaits them both. They have many stops to make along the way, and with each new trip, they have to overcome new hurdles as well. The story is based on events from Binh Pham's life. He co-writes the book with R.M. Clark. Together with Clark, he has written a captivating young adult novel.
Throughout the book, Bao and his cousin are smuggled from one destination to the next. The treatment and conditions they endure along the way are horrific. It's amazing that they made it at all, but the will to survive keeps them pressing forward. Some of the storyline is heartbreaking to read, but the overall plot is beautifully structured and effectively communicated.
The book doesn't divulge excess details on the historical or and political structure of Vietnam during that period. It doesn't delve too deeply into the Vietnam War or the resulting refugee crisis that occurs because of it. But I understand the writers' approach, because this story is being narrated from the perspective of an 11-year-old boy, after all. Most importantly, the book provides sufficient context for readers to understand the challenges that the Vietnamese people experienced during that period. It also does an excellent job of enlightening readers about the traumas and experiences that refugees have to bear while escaping dangerous living conditions in their homeland, all with the hope of seeking a better life in another country. This tale is beautifully written. I enjoyed reading it, and I think you will too.