Flying the Dragon

By Natalie Dias Lorenzi

Two cousins clash over identity and culture, united by kite flying.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,140 ratings

240 pages· 55,483 words· Est. 6 hour read

$8.95Save 4%

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Bookroo's summary

Skye, an American girl, and her Japanese cousin Hiroshi are thrust together when his family moves to the U.S. Struggling with identity, Skye feels caught between cultures, while Hiroshi resents her presence. As they navigate their differences, a shared passion for kite making and competitive flying emerges, leading to unexpected bonds and challenges. Will they find common ground in time for the kite contest at the Cherry Blossom Festival?

From the publisher

Flying the Dragon tells the story of two cousins in alternating chapters. American-born Skye is a good student and a star soccer player who never really gives any thought to the fact that her father is Japanese. Her cousin, Hiroshi, lives in Japan, and never really gives a thought to his uncle’s family living in the U.S. Their lives are thrown together when Hiroshi’s family, with his grandfather (who is also his best friend), have to move to the U.S. suddenly. Skye resents that she is now not Japanese enough, and yet the friends she’s known forever abruptly realize she is other. Hiroshi has a hard time adjusting to life in a new culture, and resents Skye’s intrusions on his time with Grandfather. Through all of this is woven Hiroshi’s expertise, and Skye’s growing interest in, kite making and competitive kite flying, culminating in a contest at the annual Washington Cherry Blossom Festival.

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