The Kite Fighters by Linda Sue Park

Imagine that you are the second son in your family, and because of your birth order, your older brother is given more than you?  He is the one who holds the family honor.  He is the one who receives the best education.  He is the one who is expected to grow up to have the most highly respected job.  It is he who always represents the family.  And you?  You must bow before him.  You must speak respectfully to him always.  You are expected to take over your father's business. You must stand back and let him represent the family.  How would you feel?

In The Kite Fighters by Linda Sue Park, Young-sup is in that very position!  Kee-sup, the older son, is a master kite maker.  Young-sup is a master kite flier.  When asked to do a favor for the king, will Young-sup overcome his  traditional position as second son to be allowed to use his own  instincts for flying and to bring honor to the family?  Will it cost him his greatest treasure?  In 1493, these two Korean brothers who share the love for kites are swept into an effective partnership that climaxes in an exciting contest.  It is the story of respect, tradition, courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, 
compassion, loyalty, justice, self- reliance, integrity, sacrifice, honor, and determination.

Linda Sue Park's Website
Review in January Magazine
Author Visits

Korean Kite Fighters
A Tribute to Fighters

Kite Making,
An online book of kite making
Kite Flying Science Lesson,
A complete lesson plan for teachers
Nagasaki Kite Festival,
A photo journal of a kite vacation

Kites on a Roll,
Kite Building Fun for All Ages
The Virtual Kite Zoo
History of Kites
The Kite, a Chinese Invention
Easy Classroom Kites
Anthony's Kite Gallery
Gomberg Kites

South Korea

Korean Poetry:  Sijo
Sijo Blossoms
The Sijo

The 19-page Kids' Wings unit
for The Kite Fighters by Linda Sue Park includes:
Three-sided kite-making for comparing the author's books Mapping Korea
Anticipation Guide
Dialectical Journal for Chatting with the Author and Friends Making Connections
Predict/Read/Confirm questions for each chapter
Illustrating Mental Images
Multiple-Choice Comprehension
Crossword Puzzle
Korean Poetry Writing
Family Rules and Tradition Discussion Guide
Project Ideas
Logic Puzzle
Vocabulary Puzzle
Science Testing Rice Glue
Writing Prompts
and Answer Keys