SONG OF THE YELLOW DRAGON, by Ying Ping Low, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, May 12, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
Two children search for a legendary dragon’s magic in Song of the Yellow Dragon, a middle-grade fantasy by Ying Ping Low.
There is a secret that every child knows: Magic is real. But by the time children turn thirteen, they forget that magic is anything but make-believe.
Mengyao wants to remember. Born in a village nestled in a secluded vale, Mengyao wants to hold on to magic and become a Divine Healer. But with her thirteenth birthday fast approaching, she is losing hope.
Young emperor Kai is on the run from traitorous advisors. He’s searching for the fabled Dragon’s Pulse, a magic capable of defeating his enemies. On the brink of his thirteenth birthday, Kai doesn’t have much longer. So, when he meets Mengyao—the girl whose name is mentioned in his legend—he forces aside his instinctual distrust and recruits her to help him on his quest.
On their perilous journey, Kai and Mengyao find aid in unexpected forms like a jade hare, a moon goddess, and a handful of promises. But as enemies close in and time runs out, secrets that will reshape the fate of their kingdom forever come to light. —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Song of the Yellow Dragon is a story that plays to the idea that when you’re young, anything is possible.
While both Kai and Mengyao are both appealing, and also not, in their own ways. What they are is compelling. You do want to know more about them and you want them to succeed. These young heroes face dangers aplenty with assassination attempts, soldiers in pursuit and adventure around every corner.
Song of the Yellow Dragon has a Chinese folktale/mythology feel about it. Though it’s never clear if it is drawing on source material or not.
Author Ying Ping Low’s prose is inviting and lends itself to the magical tale. It’s a likeable read that’s more likely to appeal to younger middle-readers, ages 8-11.
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