The Great Rat Hunt - A Memoir

One of the authors we explore in my 8th grade language arts class is Laurence Yep.  His novel Dragonwings is one of our literature circle choices later in the year. However, we also read as a whole class another of his short stories, which a memoir called "The Great Rat Hunt."  Yep, who grew up in San Francisco's Chinatown, is questioning his place within the family.  Yep's father, who was born in China, is passionate about sports and shares that with his other son Eddy.  Unfortunately, Yep suffers from severe asthma and can't keep up with them; he feels like an outcast in his own family.

The story takes a turn when a rat is discovered in the family store and it is Yep, not Eddy, who steps up to take care of business with his father. For the first time, Yep feels like he can prove his worthiness.  The "hunt" takes Yep and his father through a journey of reconnection and laughter.  Yep realizes that, even though he cannot play sports, he has a special place in his father's heart and indeed his future is not determined by his condition.  I have added a link to the story for anyone who would like to read it.


http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/short_pump/douthit_c/Site/Rat_Hunt.html

Kelly Sporrer - EDRL 524