The Kite Fighters

By Linda Sue Park

Two brothers' kite skills catch a king's eye, challenging tradition and family honor.

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,201 ratings

144 pages· 24,202 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

In 15th-century Korea, brothers Kee-sup and Young-sup share a passion for kites. Kee-sup crafts them with unmatched beauty, while Young-sup flies them with mastery. When the king selects Young-sup to fly the royal kite in a prestigious competition, tradition and family expectations clash. Can Young-sup uphold the family's honor against all odds? This tale of skill, tradition, and sibling bonds unfolds in a world of vibrant kite fighting.

"But you must not walk around with your head down all the time. Who knows? If an answer were to fall from the sky, you would never see it!"

— from the book

From the publisher

In a riveting narrative set in fifteenth-century Korea, two brothers discover a shared passion for kites. Kee-sup can craft a kite unequaled in strength and beauty, but his younger brother, Young-sup, can fly a kite as if he controlled the wind itself. Their combined skills attract the notice of Korea’s young king, who chooses Young-sup to fly the royal kite in the New Year kite-flying competition–an honor that is also an awesome responsibility. Although tradition decrees, and the boys’ father insists, that the older brother represent the family, both brothers know that this time the family’s honor is best left in Young-sup’s hands. This touching and suspenseful story, filled with the authentic detail and flavor of traditional Korean kite fighting, brings a remarkable setting vividly to life. AUTHOR’S NOTE.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 144
Words: 24,202
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 880L

Themes & topics

Books about kites Books about brothers Books about culture Books about siblings Books about family

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Language

This book includes a few instances of name calling, such as "leper," "urchin," "pig-brain," and "cow-dung."

Serious Subject Matter

This book includes a few instances of masculine and feminine responsibilities of the time period, including mothers governing the household.

After the last page

Talk about it together

Kee-sup and Young-sup use their unique talents to work together as a team. When have you worked in a team, and how did your different talents help you succeed together?

The two brothers spent a lot of time and effort to prepare their kites and practice flying them. What is a goal you'd like to accomplish, and what can you learn and practice to complete it?

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.9

out of 7

6.0

“This is a very fun story about a boy who figures out a way to earn money for a kite. There might be a little help from family and royalty, involved in this kite flying, and fighting! Such a good read.”

Mom of Boys

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one