Little Eagle

Author: Chen Jiang Hong
Publication Date: 2007
Type of Book: Multicultural Author Picture Book

This book told the story of a young orphaned boy who was found by Master Yang one night. Master Yang took the boy in and raised him as his own. They lived in a small house just the two of them and Master Yang's pet eagle. One night the young boy snuck out of his bed to find Master Yang practicing Eagle boxing outside of the house. The young boy was so interested in Eagle boxing that he continued to watched Master Yang and would practice the moves he saw on his own. It wasn't until he was being bullied and he used the techniques he had been practicing that Master Yang found out about the boys secret. From that day on Master Yang decided to take the boy as his disciple. The boy grew mentally and physically throughout the course of his training. The boy was able to put his training to the test on the night that General Zhou came to their house to try and steal the secrets of Eagle boxing. It was a tough fight and in the end the boy learned that General Zhou couldn't seize the secret to Eagle boxing because it wasn't written down. The secret was inside of Master Yang and it was now inside of him.

I enjoyed reading this story about the young boy who's life was transformed because of the kindness from a stranger. If Master Yang didn't take the young boy in that one night, then he would never have received the Eagle boxing training and his life wouldn't have the same meaning that it did in the end of the story. I liked how the story showed how long it took for the boy to become a master in Eagle boxing and even when the boy wanted to give up he didn't. There were many times that the boy felt that he was a master but he was reassured by Master Yang that he still had much to learn. This story relates a lot to life because when you have a goal you have to work long and hard to achieve it. There are times you want to give up or feel that you know all that you can but you just have to keep going. In the end the reward is worth the time and effort.

I would recommend this story for upper elementary aged children because the information presented is too mature for younger audiences. The content presented wouldn't be understood by younger students. A teacher could use this story to teach students about General Zhou or it could be used to talk about goals and persistence. There are multiple uses for this story and teachers could use it in small groups or as a read aloud.

Image References:
https://lexile.com/book/details/9781592700714/