My Freedom Trip
- Book Review,
by Frances Park, et al
From School Library Journal
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, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 5^-9. Like Kaplan in One More Border, reviewed on p.115, the authors tell the true story of a parent's childhood escape to freedom. The Parks' mother, Soo, is a young schoolgirl when her father leaves North Korea secretly one night to cross the border. Later his gentle guide comes back for Soo; they travel by train, then by foot over a mountain and through the woods. Suddenly a soldier leaps out at them, but the guide pleads for the child, and the soldier whispers, "Go quickly, child." Soo's father is waiting across the river, and there is a joyful reunion, but the Korean War breaks out, and she never sees her mother again. The story is told by Soo in the first person, and she remembers an idyllic time with family and friends before the trouble; there is no sense of what they are running from. The large, beautiful oil paintings dramatize the tenderness of the family, the anguish of their leave-taking, and the drama of the child's journey through the dark countryside and across the border. Hazel Rochman
From Kirkus Reviews
The phenomenal but often unnoticed heroism of many recent immigrants' journeys to freedom is recorded in this remarkable tale of a young Korean girl's escape. After Korea has been divided in half, many of the families in the north escape to South Korea. In Soo's school, many of her classmates have already disappeared. Finally one night, Soo's father goes too, with a promise to come back for his daughter and wife. When many nights of waiting and wondering have passed, it's finally time for Soo to go; after a long train ride and a hike through the forest, only a river lies between Soo and her father. But that's also where a North Korean guard finds Soo and her guide. Though Soo makes it to freedom, war breaks out before her mother is able to leave and the family is never reunited. The illustrations are impressionistic and warm, reflecting Soo's dangerous trip and the once-bright security of her family. Despite the devastating ending, this touching tale of quiet bravery has universal appeal. (Picture book. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Card catalog description
The story of a young girl's escape from North Korea, based on the life of the authors' mother.
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