My Freedom Trip: A Child's Escape from North Korea - Softcover

Frances Park and Ginger Park are the co-authors of five books for children, including The Royal Bee. They live near Washington, D.C. They are active promoters of their work in schools and libraries. www.parksisters.com

Grade 2-5-As the Korean War approached, Soo's father escaped from the north into South Korea. He sent a guide for Soo, along with a promise that one would follow for her mother. Preparing to depart, the girl's mother held her close and cried, "Be brave, Soo." These words carried the child through the difficult journey and near capture by a North Korean soldier until she was reunited with her father. The war began and Soo never saw her mother again. The story is lyrically told in the first person, with graceful similes that flow naturally from one page to the next. The rich design perfectly complements the fluid text. Korean characters adorn each page, setting the mood and place with a single powerful image. Elegant oil illustrations in dark hues set against light backgrounds capture the dichotomous memories of a peaceful childhood and the violence of war in a beloved homeland. Forms and shadows emerge from careful brush strokes; characters' facial expressions glow with determination and courage. However, there is no note about the Korean War for students unfamiliar with the period; nor are any dates mentioned in the text. A guide to Korean words and characters is included.
Shawn Brommer, Southern Tier Library System, Painted Post, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.