The Kite Fighters By Linda Sue Park

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Review by Allison Martin

The Kite Fighters is an engaging children's novel set in fourteenth century Korea. Two brother, Young-sup (the youngest) and Kee-sup (the older brother), discover that they have different talents and responsibilities as they work together to enter their home made kite into the New Year's kite fighting competition. Park's brings this ancient time to life, as she gently interweaves Korean history and culture into this intrigiuing drama.

The story flows easily from the time the boy's first begin to build kites to the final denouement in front of the King. Fierce-eyed and brightly colored, Kee-sup's new kite is a source of awe and desire for his younger brother. When Young-sup finally has his chance to fly, they discover he has a wonderful talent. But with his cautious ways and mechanical skill, Kee-sup is an excellent designer. Together they learn to built a special kite to enter into the traditional New Years kite contest. But their father decides that as the eldest brother Kee-sup must represent the honor of the family. As they overcome this and other obstacles, they have a number of small adventures which boys and girls alike will enjoy. They even meet and become secret friends with the King, also a young boy fascinated by kites. Parents and elementary to middle school age children will enjoy this historical introduction to the culture of Korea.

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