Dragon Pearl
#1 of 2 in Thousand Worlds Series
on Goodreads (11,884)
What’s inside...
THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD MIN 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 must appear human at all times.
Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She’s counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds.
When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name.
Min’s quest will have her meeting gamblers, pirates, and vengeful ghosts. It will involve deception, lies, and sabotage. She will be forced to use more fox-magic than ever before, and to rely on all of her cleverness and bravery. The outcome may not be what she had hoped, but it has the potential to exceed her wildest dreams.
Character compass
Min
Haneul
Sujin
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Min to go on her quest to find her brother Jun? How did her character change by the end of the story?
Dragon Pearl is rich in mythology and culture. What were some aspects of the Korean culture that stood out to you in the book?
How does the author use the concepts of honor and family to drive the story? Can you relate these themes to your own life experiences?
What role do the supernatural elements like ghosts and goblins play in the storyline? How do they help in moving the plot forward?
If you had the power to change your appearance like Min, how would you use it? Would it be for personal gain or to help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to personal experiences, enhancing empathy and understanding of the characters' motivations.
Discuss the importance of family and honor represented in the book, linking these themes to your child’s everyday interactions and decisions.
Explore the Korean cultural elements together by looking up more information or perhaps trying some Korean cuisine to enrich the understanding of the setting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of integrity
Explanation: Throughout 'Dragon Pearl,' the protagonist, Min, consistently strives to do the right thing, even when faced with challenging decisions and the potential for personal gain. Her commitment to honesty drives many of the narrative’s turning points.
Real-World Application: Children can learn from Min’s example the value of honesty and making morally sound choices, even when under pressure or in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Min's journey is fraught with obstacles as she searches for her missing brother. Despite numerous setbacks, she remains determined and resourceful, showcasing her resilient spirit.
Real-World Application: This story can motivate children to stay determined and work through challenges in their own lives, whether those challenges are in their academic pursuits, personal projects, or relationships.
Example Lesson: The significance of family
Explanation: Family is a central theme in 'Dragon Pearl.' Min’s quest to find her brother highlights her deep familial loyalty and commitment, illustrating how family ties can provide motivation and emotional strength.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to appreciate and nurture their relationships with family members, recognizing the unique support and love that only family can provide.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The universe of 'Dragon Pearl' is rich with creatures and characters from various backgrounds and cultures, promoting a message of acceptance and cooperation among different groups.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from diverse backgrounds in their own communities and schools.
Example Lesson: The role of courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: Min’s adventures in space involve encounters with unfamiliar beings and places, requiring her to summon courage repeatedly. Her bravery in these situations is pivotal to her growth and the story’s progress.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace new experiences and face the unknown with courage, understanding that it is an opportunity for growth and learning.