[1] Set in China, it follows the story of Tai Shan, a boy who enjoys flying kites.
[1] He stays with an unrelated old woman, named Granny Wang,[2] until he is reunited with his father.
[1] Publishers Weekly stated that the conflict was handled with "scrupulous honesty".
[1] Publishers Weekly recommended the book for older children due to the content of the plot.
[1] Kirkus Reviews stated "any child coping with separation from a loved one may find comfort in this story.