The City of Dragons

This book by Laurence Yep is one that I think will speak to many young children. The main character, a young Chinese boy, was born with the saddest face in the world, and he was ostracized because of his appearance. The people in his small village asked his parents to make him wear a hat that covered his face so that he wouldn't make other villagers sad when they looked at him. They boy felt alone because of this mandate, and he ran away from home. Eventually, he came across a band of giants whom he befriended. He is able to help them with a problem because of his appearance. Later, he returns to his village feeling needed and special. Laurence Yep has written a very special book that is directed towards the idea of feeling outcast and different than others. Everyone feels this way at one point in their lives, including young children, and it is a good book to help children feel like they are all special for different reasons. Teachers can also use this book in the classroom to discuss individual differences and how people have different talents and abilities and should be accepted as they are.