A Single Shard

A Single Shard

Written by: Linda Sue Park

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"Set in 12th century Korea, this is the story of Tree-ear who lives under a bridge with his disabled older friend Crane-man. Tree-ear becomes fascinated with the potter's craft and longs to create celadon ceramics. However pottery is a trade passed on from father to son and Tree-ear is an orphan. He works long and hard hoping to become an apprentice."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://eduscapes.com/newbery/02a.htm

Tap Dancing on the Roof

Tap Dancing on the Roof
*2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award*

Written by: Linda Sue Park
Illustrated by: Istavan Banyai

Elementary Grades

"A sijo, a traditional Korean verse form, has a fixed number of stressed syllables and a humorous or ironic twist at the end. Like haiku, sijo are brief and accessible, and the witty last line winds up each poem with a surprise. The verses in this book illuminate funny, unexpected, amazing aspects of the everyday--of breakfast, thunder and lightning, houseplants, tennis, freshly laundered socks. Carefully crafted and deceptively simple, Linda Sue Park's sijo are a pleasure to read and an irresistible invitation to experiment with an unfamiliar poetic form. Istvan Banyai's irrepressibly giddy and sophisticated illustrations add a one-of-a-kind luster to a book that is truly a gem."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://suzyred.com/2010_Tap_Dancing_on_the_Roof.html

Seesaw Girl

Seesaw Girl

Written by: Linda Sue Park

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"Life in 17th-century Korea is not easy for a girl, even for the daughter of a wealthy family. Jade Blossom must learn to do the laundry, sew the clothes back together after each washing, help in the kitchen, and embroider flawlessly. Her world is circumscribed by the walls of the Inner Court where she will spend her life until she marries and then will be confined to the Inner Court of her husband's household. However, when her aunt and best friend since childhood gets married, Jade is determined to see her again."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.lindasuepark.com/bio.html

The Name Jar

The Name Jar

Written and Illustrated by: Yangsook Choi

Elementary Grades

"Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it,"

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=14832

New Clothes for New Years Day

New Clothes for New Years Day

Written and illustrated by: Hyun-Joo Bae

Elementary Grades

"Young children will connect with the Korean little girl in this imported picture book who dresses up to welcome the New Year. Simple words and inventively composed pictures depict each step in donning the elaborate, traditional costume, from the wrapped and tied "rainbow-striped jacket" to the silk pouch that brings good luck. Bae's delicate illustrations move smoothly between depictions of mishaps as the child wrestles with troublesome accessories and grand, wordless portraits, often incorporating traditional furnishings and ornamentation that demonstrate pride in cultural heritage. This makes an inviting addition to lunar New Year offerings, which frequently focus on Chinese celebrations."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.familyculture.com/holidays/korean_new_year.htm

A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems

A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems

Written by: Janet Wong

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"With a sense of pride in her Korean, Chinese, and American background, Janet Wong's poetry reflects some of the differences between Chinese and Korean customs and culture and the American way of life. Divided into three sections – Korean, Chinese, and American – and with the author's own explanation as to how the poems developed from experiences in her own life, these poems speak directly and simply to young people of many ethnic backgrounds."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.janetwong.com/books/suitcaseofseaweed.cfm

The Sun Girl and the Moon Boy: A Korean Folktale

The Sun Girl and the Moon Boy: A Korean Folktale

Written and Illustrated by: Yangsook Choi

Elementary Grades

"A long time ago in Korea, there was not enough light. It was before the sun and the moon had been created." So begins one of the most treasured folktales of Korea. Reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood, this ancient tale reveals how a hungry tiger tries to trick a young boy and girl into thinking that he is their mother. But their sharp wits and a measure of good luck are enough to save the children and reunite them with their mother, high above in the sky. Together, they bring the first rays of sunlight and moonlight to the world below. Having heard this story told many times by her grandmother, Yangsook Choi now brings her own voice and breathtaking oil paintings to The Sun Girl and the Moon Boy. With them, she shares an important part of her childhood and the Korean tradition."

Publishers Review

Yummi and Halmoni's Trip

Yummi and Halmoni's Trip

Written by: Sook Nyul Choi
Illustrated by: Karen Dugan

Elementary Grades

"Yunmi's grandmother went to New York City to take care of her while her parents worked, and charmed Yunmi's classmates during a class trip. Now Halmoni is taking the girl back to Korea for a memorial celebration of her late husband's birthday, and it is Yunmi's turn to feel like an outsider. Halmoni, who was so isolated and lonely in New York, is greeted by a large and loving family. Even her cat and dog welcome her back. Yunmi's cousins act as tour guides to the sights of Seoul, and the girl helps prepare Korean dumplings for the picnic at Grandfather's grave. At the memorial, worries overwhelm her. Halmoni seems so happy here that she may not want to return to New York. Not surprisingly, the woman reassures her American granddaughter, "We're lucky because we both have two families." This gentle, predictable story is more an introduction to Korean customs than a plot-driven narrative. Realistic illustrations of Yunmi's family, framed with borders suggesting Korean fabric design, add greatly to the book's appeal. Dugan's carefully composed paintings, glowing with color, convey the warm affection between granddaughter and grandmother."

School Library Journal Review

Jin Woo

Jin Woo


Written by: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Chris Soentpiet

Elementary Grades
Jin Woo tells the story of David, a young adoptee whose family is preparing to adopt a second child: a Korean baby boy named Jin Woo.

Like many children expecting a new child into the family, David has some concerns. But his parents assure him that the love they share with the new baby will not diminish the love they have for him. And David bonds with his new brother, ensuring the unity of the newly enlarged family.

This is a good story with educational value. The author brings up some interesting aspects of cross-cultural/international adoption. The easy-to-read text is well complemented by Soentpiet's colorful, realistic illustrations. I recommend "Jin Woo" for both home and classroom."

Amazon.com Review

Korean Children's Favorite Stories

Korean Children's Favorite Stories

Written by: Kim So-Un and Jeong Kyoung-Sim

Elementary Grades

"This collection of 13 Korean folktales was originally published in 1955 as The Story Bag. Kyoung-Sim's new watercolor illustrations, filled with animals, demons, and resourceful folk, make this edition much more attractive, and the short, straightforward retellings are well suited for independent reading as well as for reading aloud. The handsome anthology will enrich multicultural studies and expand folklore collections."

Booklist Review

My Name is Yoon

My Name is Yoon

Written by: Helen Recorvits
Illustrated by: Gabi Swiatkowska

Elementary Grades

"With subtle grace, this moving story depicts a Korean girl's difficult adjustment to her new life in America. Yoon, or "Shining Wisdom," decides that her name looks much happier written in Korean than in English ("I did not like YOON. Lines. Circles. Each standing alone"). Still, she struggles to please her parents by learning an unfamiliar language while surrounded by strangers. Although her teacher encourages her to practice writing "Yoon," the child substitutes other words for her name, words that better express her inner fears and hopes. Calling herself "CAT," she dreams of hiding in a corner and cuddling with her mother. As "BIRD," she imagines herself flying back to Korea. Finally, she pretends she is "CUPCAKE," an identity that would allow her to gain the acceptance of her classmates. In the end, she comes to accept both her English name and her new American self, recognizing that however it is written, she is still Yoon."

School Library Journal Review