A Single Shard

A Single Shard

Written by: Linda Sue Park

"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

A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems

A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems

Written by: Janet Wong

"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

Seesaw Girl

Seesaw Girl

Written by: Linda Sue Park

"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

Weedflower

Weedflower

Written by: Cynthia Kadohata

Set in California and Arizona during the 1940's Kadohata introduces us to Sumiko and her Japanese-American family who enjoy spending time together working on their flower farm. Sumiko and her family's life changes forever when Japan bombs Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1944. They are taken to a Japanese internment camp in Arizona where Sumiko and her family begin living life as prisoners in their own country. Sumiko is a strong character who students who have ever felt discriminated because of their race or National origin will be able to identify. This piece of historical fiction is an important read for teachers and students.

Jennie's Review

Online Resources:
http://suzyred.com/2007weedflower.html
http://www.pbs.org/childofcamp/history/index.html

Grandfather's Journey

Grandfather's Journey

Written and Illustrated by: Allen Say

"Through compelling reminiscences of his grandfather's life in America and Japan, Allen Say gives us a poignant account of a family's unique cross-cultural experience. He warmly conveys his own love for his two countries, and the strong and constant desire to be in both places at once."

Publishers Synopsis

From the Author:
"I am striving to give shape to my dreams--the old business of making myths--the fundemental force of art. And so, GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY is essentially a dream book, for the life's journey is an endless dreaming of the places we have left behind and the places we have yet to reach."--Allen Say (Caldecott Medal Acceptance Speech )

Online Resources:
http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~elbond/grand.htm