As a ten-year old girl living in Pyongyang, Korea, during the occupation of Japan in World War II, young Sookan experiences a tough childhood. Her family is forced to slave around for the Imperial soldiers. After the Japanese lose the war and retreat back to Japan, Russian soldiers and comrades occupy North Korea and "brainwash" the Koreans towards working for Mother Russia. Desiring freedom in the south, Sookan's mother begins plotting her family's escape, only to be caught by soldiers and sent back. Sookan and her brother reach the border, only to find their chance of crossing very slim. Will they make it to the south? Read this touching novel to find out. The theme of this novel is to be patient and endure. This book has lots of suspense and vivid descriptions that engage readers eight and up.
Caroline C., grade 6