1. Dragon’s Gate by Laurence Yep Historical Fiction Book

2. Overview
In 1867, Otter travels from Three Willows Village in China to California -- the Land of the Golden Mountain. There he will join his father and uncle. In spite of the presence of family, Otter is a stranger among the other Chinese in this new land. And where he expected to see a land of goldfields, he sees only vast, cold whiteness.
Otter's dream is to learn all he can, take the technology back to the Middle Kingdom, and free China from the Manchu invaders. Otter and the others board a machine that will change his life -- a train for which he would open the Dragon's Gate.

3. Does the Book tell a Good Story?
Passages that are related to pages “Doing History” YES! The plot was very interesting and gripping. Otter joins the railroad crew with his father and experiences many hardships, such as cold and hunger, poverty, and exhaustion. He saves the railroad camp from disaster when he dynamites a huge snow overhang.

4. Is the language authentic to the times?
Passages that are related to pages “Doing History”
The year was 1867 (the language seemed genuine) from the Caucasians met along the way. Otto and his family spoke Chinese quietly so to not bother white people which also seemed very believable in that date.

5. Is the story accurate and authentic in its historic detail – include setting and historic events.
Passages that are related to pages “Doing History Yes! this story is based off of real historical events. It is based more on human emotions though like love, hate, prejudices and pride.

6. Whose voices are missing?
Passages that are related to pages “Doing History”
The Chinese people who were not represented by Labor Laws - who had to endure some of the harshest and poorest of living/working conditions for the Chinese workers.

7. List three learning strategies that could be used in concert with this book.
Topics for Strategies: “Technological” Learn how to navigate the internet, “historical influences” practicing to scale maps (mapping) and “social and ethical techniques” use effective strong language skills to interpret the hardships. As a teacher, modeling and enquiry based lessons would work well.
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China (Land, People and Culture) Put yourself in the place of a Chinese worker and write home to your family in China. Create a Chinese Page -
Chinese Immigrants. The Chinese came to America by ship. Create a map showing the route they probably took.
History of building the railroads - Tell about your everyday life as a railroad builder.
Sierra Nevada Mountains (History) – Draw pictures and explain the mountains in detail (resources, power, buildings and lifestyles, occupations etc.).
Transcontinental Railroad. Learn more about the history of the transcontinental railroad. On a map, show the route of the railroad from Sacramento through the mountains to Utah. Learn more about the east to west part of the railroad.