Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teamwork, responsibility in exciting folklore-based fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE GATE, THE GIRL, AND THE DRAGON tells the story of Jin, a stone lion spirit whose parents guard the city gate and, along with other stone spirits, watch over and protect the people of the city as they come and go. But Jin doesn't want to be a guardian. He'd much rather have fun playing his favorite sport. Angry when his father interrupts an important moment in the game, Jin's fit of temper sets in motion a series of events that puts both the spirit and the human worlds in danger of ending. To save both worlds, Jin will have to work together with a human girl and a worm. Together they'll face a dragon and a Sculptor who only want for themselves and are determined to keep Jin and the others out of their way at all costs.
Is It Any Good?
This is an exciting and ultimately touching folklore-based fantasy from veteran author Grace Lin. The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon combines modern and ancient worlds and populates them with colorful characters big kids and tweens will relate to. Sometimes the dialogue doesn't ring true, but it's easy to overlook in this absorbing tale. Stories within the story add depth by providing clues that build as they go, and short chapters move the plot along. Colorful illustrations add life and charm every few pages or so.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the scary parts of The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon. Were there any parts that were too scary for you? Does it make the story more exciting? What do you like to do to feel better after you've had a scare?
How does Lulu show empathy, and how does Jin learn to care about others' feelings?
How does working together help Jin, Lulu, and the Worm? Why is teamwork important?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Grace Lin
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : May 6, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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