I really like The 39 Clues, and when I found out that Linda Sue Park had another book, about Korea under Japanese rule (I'm from South Korea, not North, why does everyone ask that), I was so curious I had to read the book. When My Name Was Keoko is about the time Korea was under Japanese rule. It is written in two perspectives, Sun-hee and Tae-yul's. I loved how some of the characters (Sun-hee, Tae-yul, their parents, Mrs. Ahn (a neighbor), and Tomo) rebelled against Japan in quiet or energetic (if that makes sense) ways. This book beautifully portrayed how a family living in those times would act. I'm a sucker for historical fiction and teenage books, so When My Name Was Keoko was perfect! The ending wrapped the whole book wonderfully, with Sun-hee teaching Tae-yul the Korean alphabet. However, something that could have been better is the lack of background information. Someone unfamiliar with Korea's history might've initially felt confused or bored. I also worried that using Korean pronouns would perplex readers who do not know Korean. To summarize, When My Name Was Keoko is a great book about rebellion, family, and strength. Even though it may be confusing for people who didn't have a lot of Korean culture exposure, I recommend this book for 9 and up!
When My Name Was Keoko (Jane Addams Honor Book (Awards))
By Linda Sue Park
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 4 - 7 | Grades 2 - 8 | Y | 4.6 | n/a |
Sun-hee and her older brother, Tae-yul, live in Korea with their parents. Because Korea is under Japanese occupation, the children study Japanese and speak it at school. Their own language, their flag, the folktales Uncle tells them—even their names—are all part of the Korean culture that is now forbidden. When World War II comes to Korea, Sun-hee is surprised that the Japanese expect their Korean subjects to fight on their side. But the greatest shock of all comes when Tae-yul enlists in the Japanese army in an attempt to protect Uncle, who is suspected of aiding the Korean resistance. Sun-hee stays behind, entrusted with the life-and-death secrets of a family at war.
Book Reviews (2)
This story is about Sun-hee and her brother, Taeyul’s life when Japan took over Korea. It gets miserable and miserable. They hope the war goes shortly and be free. They can’t eat properly. They can’t learn Korean. They can’t do anything unless Japan let’s them.