CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 1991)
A stupendous autobiographical novel set in Korea involves ten-year-old Sookan and her family's survival during and after World War II. They experience a devastating sequence of losses due to the physical and psychological cruelties of occupying authorities, first the Japanese military and then the Communist Russian troops. Before people were turned against each other, hunger was their common enemy; afterwards, the enemy became lack of mutual trust. But hope even trust prevail. The stark, spare story is suspensefully paced with a single celebratory event offering relief at a critical point. Many memorable images will stand out for readers long after they finish this book, such as episodes involving the "sock girls"; the children's witnessing of an elder's abandonment of his shoes; and the bravery of an aunt who rebelled against the unwritten rules of a battle to win young minds. Co-winner, 1991 CCBC Newbery Discussion. CCBC categories: Fiction For Teenagers; Biography And Autobiography; History, People And Places. 1991, Houghton Mifflin, 169 pages, $13.95. Ages 11 and older.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1991)
A moving fictionalized account of ChoPs last months as a child in Pyongyang under the brutal Japanese rule that oppressed Korea for more than 30 years before 1945, and her harrowing escape with her seven-year-old brother south across the 38th parallel. Choi describes the Japanese persecution in an even tone that makes it even more chilling: deliberate destruction of everything of value or beauty, even Grandfather's favorite pine tree; interdiction of religions other than Shinto and of the Korean language; indoctrination of children; systematic starving of the population; the forcing of young women to serve as "spirit girls" for the Japanese troops' pleasure. Despite all, ChoPs family preserved dignity, familial love, and loyalty to their heritage. When the Russians arrived (not the hoped-for Americans), they proved less vicious but even more effective propagandists than the Japanese. Choi's father, who had spent the war in Manchuria, arranged an escape that was partially successful, even though their guide turned out to be a double agent: the two children, who had already demonstrated their intelligence and mettle, made their way on their own after their mother was detained (miraculously, she joined them later); other relatives left behind to cover for them were executed in retribution. A vividly written, compellingly authentic story that complements Yoko Watkins's fine So Far from the Bamboo Grove (1986), which details a Japanese family's suffering en route from Korea to Japan during the same period. 1991, Houghton Mifflin, $13.95. Starred Review. © 1991 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, 1991)
Born during the thirty-six-year Japanese occupation of Korea, ten-year-old Sookan has known no other life. When the equally oppressive Russians drive out the Japanese, Sookan, her brother, and their mother must flee and undertake a harrowing journey south to the safety of the thirty-eighth parallel. A moving account, with many poignant, vivid moments. Category: Fiction. 1991, Houghton, 171pp.. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average.