Like Seesaw Girl, this book deals with choices in life. Some choices we can choose: the choice of occupation, the choice of attitude, the choice of following traditions. Some choices we cannot choose: choice of being a boy or girl, the choice of siblings, or the choice of birth order. Young-sup is second to his brother, Kee-sup, where 15th century Korean traditions are such that their father treats the second son different than the first son. The firstborn is the only sibling that gets to go to the ancestors gravesite, study to become a scholar, and make decisions in the family. The unfairness of the treatment boils beneath the surface of Young-sup who wants his father to notice him the same as Kee-sup. Kee-sup gets a kite for the New Year's celebration while the jealous Young-sup gets a board game. Young-sup begs to fly the kite with Kee-sup who says, no, at first only to relent as he tires of his limited success flying the kite. Unlike his brother, Young-sup is a natural as he launches the kite into the air almost immediately knowing instinctively when the wind is right and how much rope to reel in or let out. He teaches his brother how to fly and the two have great fun on the hillside each day with the new toy. When the kite gets damaged, Kee-sup rebuilds it and his skill in craftsmanship turns the tables where he teaches Young-sup how to make a kite.The young king sees the boys kite flying and asks them to build him a kite to enter in the New Year's competition. The kite flying competition involves "fighting" where the kite flyers try to knock each others kites to the ground or cut the lines. The king wants Young-sup to fly it and Kee-sup to build it. Thrilled with the request, Kee-sup struggles over the construction of the kite while Young-sup and their father support him in his efforts. When the time comes for the competition, their father says that the oldest son should fly it causing Young-sup to angrily confront his brother about the unfairness of him being number one. He's really mad at the culture's traditional role of the firstborn son, but he can't discuss it with his parents and takes his frustration out on his brother. In an exciting climax the two figure out a way to use the traditions to their advantage, yet not be disrespectful toward their father.The passion Young-sup has for kite flying is described in such vivid detail it made me think of those things I'm passionate about doing. The siblings show how they can have great fun together and great disagreements. Young-sup's anger is authentic afterwards he recognizes that he can't direct his fury at his father so instead he takes it out on his brother. Both boys are thoughtful, kind, selfish, and creative. Their well-rounded characters drive this story forward at a fast clip. Even the father and young king change in ways that made me vested in what happens to all of them.The plot is wrapped up nicely. Park doesn't leave unresolved issues in her stories. Even the stall owner of the kites has a part I didn't expect. The brothers make many choices and while most are good there are other times they are selfish. This makes them all the more real to the reader and in the end, they show graciousness in winning, wisdom in dealing with their father, and courage to reach their goals. A terrific story that is going to appeal to all readers.Reading Level 5.9
The Kite Fighters tells the story of two brothers, Young-sup and Kee-sup, who are part of a traditional 15th century Korean family. Young-sup has an especial gift for kite flying - he just senses exactly when and how to fly a kite. Kee-sup can't fly as well as Young-sup, but he's gifted at the artistry of making kites. Between them the brothers make and fly the most beautiful kites in the country, which comes to the attention of the King. He asks them to make and fly a kite for him in the New Year kite competition. They plan to have Kee-sup make the kite, and Young-sup fly it, but then their father forbids it. Because Kee-sup is the oldest, Confucian tradition dictates that Kee-sup must represent the family. Young-sup is angry that yet again Kee-sup gets more privileges than he does, and Kee-sup is dismayed, because he knows he can't fly a kite as well as Young-sup, and he doesn't want to upset the King. The way the brothers work out their dilemma, without breaking tradition or disappointing their King is sweet. They discover that they've each been jealous of the other for different reasons, and make up nicely. They also cleverly make up a new kite-flying technique in order to try to guarantee a win for the King. I really enjoyed The Kite Fighters, and will definitely be looking for other books by Linda Sue Park. And, I was fascinated by the Korean culture of the era - women weren't allowed to leave the house at all! Young-sup and Kee-sup's mother oversaw the household, and the ordering of supplies, but she had to send a male servant to the market to do the shopping, because women weren't allowed to handle money.Read the rest of my review at Quirky Bookworm.
What do You think about The Kite Fighters (2002)?
Good, quick read, which seems to be important for modern children. What's nice is there is no violence or death. Plus it's exciting to read about kite fighting. Young-Sup wishes to fly kites, but then his older brother gets the kite for the holiday celebration. He is jealous and disappointed. He and his brother make their own, and the reader learns that his brother would rather be making things. So each brother has to deal with his place in Korean society. The child king notices the kites flying in the park, and asks the boys to make him one. Kee-Sup does. The boy king asks Young-Sup to fly in the festival for him. Father wants Kee-Sup to be the flyer. Will Young-Sup get to fly?
—Janice
The story is about two kite fighters in Korea 14C. I enjoy reading very familiar words and culture in English. It makes me feel very proud of my country.I didn’t have any idea of the Kite Fighting even though I grew up there. One thing I remember is how to make kite that I learned when I was in elementary.In spite of that, I really had a good time reading and getting knowledge of the ethnic game and becoming enthusiastic about the book.Especially, set up a theory about the circumstance with the brothers with a King is the very exciting part. The fighter kite that fourteen-year-old Kee-sup builds and decorates is splendid, but it’s his younger brother Young-sup who has the innate gift for flying that for the King. I would like recommend to my son so, he understand better of his homeland and culture and then he could share his native country with others in America.
—Kyounga
Young-sup loves kites. He loves the way they float and glide, dip and soar. He loves the feel of the twitching strings in his hands. And he loves to be out flying with his brother, Kee-sup.But one day as they are out flying, they are chanced upon by His Majesty, the King. A boy himself, the King decides that he likes the design of Kee-sup’s kite and demands that he make another like it to be presented to His Majesty. The boys are honored and comply, but they hear even more shocking news after they deliver the kite to the King in his palace. For he desires that Young-sup would fly the kite in the upcoming Kite Competition!Will Young-sup accept the offer? And if he does, can he possibly win?Discussion.I enjoyed The Kite Fighters. I enjoyed it because it was unique – it brought to my attention a sport that I had never heard of before (kite fighting) and told its story stylistically. Of course, the story was set in Korea, so there are attending superstitions and traditions that go along with that.Young-sup and his family believe in tok-gabis, little imps or spirits. They are mentioned several times. On one occasion, Young-sup claims that his kite spoke to him, directing him how to maneuver the strings.Kee-sup, upon reaching the age of fourteen, was initiated into manhood by a ‘capping ceremony’. The day for this ceremony is chosen by a soothsayer, and it includes ancestor worship.Relationships in The Kite Fighters are interesting. Early on, Young-sup experiences jealousy towards Kee-sup because their father favors Kee-sup and gives him opportunities that are denied to Young-sup. However, Kee-sup behaves wisely and, instead of fostering the jealousy, seeks reconciliation. Young-sup is wise enough to accept Kee-sup’s overtures and they are friends for the rest of the story.Young-sup and Kee-sup insult each other good-naturedly (calling each other pig brain, etc.), and as Young-sup forms his relationship with the King and tries to teach him how to conduct chummy relationships, he teaches the King how to insult, too. It is sweet seeing how the King gradually becomes comfortable with the we’re-on-the-same-level relationship, but it is done behind the backs of his counselors and is considered a great secret from all of the adults.Conclusion. A very interesting story which will teach your children about Korean culture and traditions.Visit The Blithering Bookster to read more reviews!www.blitheringbookster.com
—Laura Verret
