Summer Reading: Korea Re-visited

So, we’ve discovered some books about Korea and Korean culture in America.  Our first set of books followed two Korean girls on their adjustment to life in America.

These two books have boys as their main characters, and we get a glimpse into the past and the present.

The Firekeeper’s Son

By: Linda Sue Park

We travel back in time to 19^th Century Korea.  We meet a boy named Sang-hee.  His father has a very important job of lighting the fire that reaches the peak near the King’s palace to alert him that all is safe.  When Sang-hee’s father gets injured, Sang-hee must take over the important responsibility.  This book follows Sang-hee on his journey?  Did he light the fire, or did he allow his curiosity to see the King’s guards get the best of him?  You’ll have to read this book to find out.

Dear Juno

By: Soyung Park

This tale ties together generations and cultures.  Juno receives a letter written in Korean from his grandmother.  He’s excited to learn what it says, but he must wait for his parents to read it.  In the meantime, he enjoys the photo and pressed flowers that accompany the letter.  Juno responds to his grandmother’s letter with a beautiful drawing of his own.  This warm story is all about family, appreciating the simple things in life, and taking time to slow down and keep in touch.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our visit to Korea-both at home and abroad.  There’s so much to learn, but these books do give us a glimpse into Korean culture and traditions as well as what life is like for first generation Korean American children.

Have you taken a trip to South Korea?  Tell us about your journey.  Feel free to include photos of your trip.

Happy Reading!

Summer Reading: From S. Africa to Korea

Getting a glimpse of life in South Africa through books was great, but now it’s time to explore a completely different continent—Asia.

Our next stop is South Korea.  It’s about 7,753 miles from Johannesburg to Seoul, South Korea, but for us it’s just a matter of opening another good book.

Here are a few of our favorites for giving us a glimpse into Korea, both in Korea and by Korean Americans.

Korean Children’s Favorite Stories

By: Kim So-Un and Jeong Kyoung-Sim

This book includes 13 Korean folktales perfect for kids ages 9-12 to read on their own but equally perfect for read aloud time with younger kids.  We love books of folktales, because they have a way of bridging the past and present in a wonderful way.  This book is no different.  It’s a traditional set of Korean folktales beautifully illustrated in watercolor like drawings.  Kids will be able to enjoy the stories and identify familiar objects as well.

Bee-bim Bop

By: Linda Sue Park

Illustrated by Ho Baek Lee

Hungry for a little bit of Korean culture? Well, this book for preschoolers will do that in a fun way. In this rhyming text, a little girl makes a traditional Korean dish with her Mom.  Kids will enjoy the cartoon-like drawings, chant the rhyming refrain “Bee-Bim Bop,” learn a little about some foods enjoyed in Korea, and maybe even help their mom or dad make a similar dish.  The author includes a recipe at the back.

K is for Korea

By: Hyechong Cheung

Illustrated by: Prodeepta Das

This traditional photograph filled book introduces kids to many different aspects of Korean culture through colorful pictures and the alphabet.  The simple text makes it easy for younger kids to follow while still teaching them about Korea along the way.

The Name Jar

By: Yangsook Choi

Yuhei, a young girl, is teased by the kids for her Korean name.   She decides she needs an American name, and her classmates attempt to help her find one by putting suggestions in a jar—The Name Jar.  This book attempts to tackle a very weighty topic in a few short pages by trying to deal with the feelings of difference that a child feels when becoming a part of American culture.  Will Yuhei decide to change her name, or will she embrace its beauty and in essence her Korean heritage?  Well, you’ll have to read to find out.

My Name is Yoon

By: Helen Recorvits

Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

This picture book, winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award, tries to capture a child’s difficult adjustment to life in the United States.  Can Yoon retain her Korean identity now that she is in the U.S.?  How can she embrace her new surroundings without feeling that she has to abandon her Korean traditions?  This book, so beautifully illustrated, follows Yoon on this journey to find a comfortable fit between what she knows and the new life she’s experiencing in America.

A Great 4th of July Book

Hi There.

The 4th of July is in a few days, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to make our Friday Feature a book that weaves together the themes of the 4th and cultural identity.

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet Wong

Illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

The main character in this book is a first generation Chinese American girl.  As the Fourth of July festivities get underway, she worries that no one will want the Chinese dishes her parents are cooking in their restaurant.  I won’t tell you the outcome, but this book is a great story for young kids  about fitting in and trying to understand cultural differences and similarities.

Interested in learning more about the Author?

Here’s what I could gather.  Janet Wong is a former practicing attorney and mom who decided to make a drastic career change and pursue a career writing children’s books and poetry.  Since that time she has won many awards, been featured in Oprah magazine, and written many wonderful books for kids to enjoy.

I hope you enjoy this book!  Happy Reading!