Reviews

April and the Dragon Lady by Lensey Namioka

dsuttles's review against another edition

2.0

While the character development is weaker than tepid tap water, the dialogue reads like a skit from an introductory language class, and the plot revs with all the gusto of a rusty motor, April and the Dragon Lady still manages to hold its charm. There is so little fiction that details the lives of Asian American gals growing up in the late 20th/early 21st century that it is impossible to dismiss this work of fiction as worthless reading. April's experience, while not universal, certainly reflects the real experiences of other Asian American teens torn between cultures, generations, and people. However, Namioka's attempt at expressing this experience through young adult fiction was a bit amateurish. By all means, April's story needs to be told -- but it need not be at the expense of all the elements of good storytelling.

carrie123's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 stars. A average book. April doesn't act like a teenager at all. She acts as an adult in this book. She doesn't do many things because she has to keep an eye an her grandmother. Her Father surprisingly acts like a teenager with no responsibilities.

vilax's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

raehink's review

2.0

April Chen's Chinese grandmother has lived with the family for ten years and rules the roost. She has traditional values, which means that she thinks men are more important than women in society and in the household. April has a white boyfriend and wants to be a normal American teenager. She also wants to go to college. And she loves her grandmother. Is there a happy medium between the two?

I thought this was a bit stilted and actually quite boring. I don't know that it would grab a teen reader.