Why read Dragon Pearl?

Book cover of Dragon Pearl

Book description

Rick Riordan Presents Yoon Ha Lee's space opera about thirteen-year-old Min, who comes from a long line of fox spirits.

But you'd never know it by looking at her. To keep the family safe, Min's mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Dragon Pearl as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Callie C. Miller

Author

While this is technically a science fiction book, Korean mythology is front and center in this space opera.

Min is from a long line of fox spirits and yearns to join her brother in the Space Forces. When Jun is reported missing, Min sets out to find him. I love the Korean mythology woven into every part of this sci-fi tale, making this a standout adventure.

From Callie's list on whimsical fantasy romps for middle grade and YA.

Catherine Egan

Author

This epic space adventure blends science fiction, fantasy, and Korean folklore. Min, a fox spirit with shape-shifting powers, raised on a poverty-stricken planet, is a clever and lively protagonist. She sneaks onto a star-cruiser, borrowing the form of a dead cadet, to go in search of her missing brother, and gets caught up in a quest for the legendary Dragon Pearl.

There is some truly beautiful writing here, but what I loved most was the complexity of the world-building. This is an epic space opera in the best sense.

The Aliens: I’m cheating a bit – are they all aliens?…

From Catherine's list on middle-grade sci fi – with bonus aliens.