The Kite Fighters facts for kids
First edition cover
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| Author | Linda Sue Park |
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| Illustrator | Eung Won Park |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's fiction |
| Published | 2000, Clarion Books |
| Media type | Print, ebook, audiobook |
| Pages | 144 pages |
| ISBN | 0395940419 |
The Kite Fighters is an exciting historical novel for children. It was written by Linda Sue Park and came out in 2000. Her father, Eung Won Park, drew the pictures for the book.
The story takes place in Korea during the 1400s. It follows the adventures of two brothers. The book was first published on March 20, 2000, by Clarion Books.
What the Story Is About
The story is set in Seoul, Korea, in the year 1473. It tells about the lives of two brothers in a family that follows many old traditions.
Meet the Brothers
Lee Young-sup is the younger brother. He knows his place in the family is different from his older brother's. But Young-sup discovers he is really good at flying kites. It's a talent he never knew he had!
Kee-sup is the older brother, the first-born son. Their father, who is a rice merchant, wants Kee-sup to bring honor to the family. He hopes Kee-sup will become a court official. This means working for the king. Kee-sup spends a lot of time studying for this important job. However, it's not what he truly wants to do with his life.
Kites and the King
Young-sup gets better and better at flying kites. Kee-sup is very skilled at making them. Their amazing kite skills catch the eye of the young king of Korea. This king is based on a real historical figure, King Seongjong.
The king becomes friends with the brothers. They meet secretly, away from the strict rules of the palace. The boys even get to represent the king in a big kite-fighting competition. This competition happens during the New Year's festival.
Challenges and Help
The story shows the struggle between following old family duties and doing what you truly love. At one point, the boys get into a fight with someone trying to steal from them. They lose their money and have to start over.
But the King helps them! He gives them new kites. Because the king helps them so much, he becomes a very important character in their story. He even lets them meet at his temple.
