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candicen423's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sarahbowling6608's review
4.0
Wow. What a story.
I didn't know much about the Korean War when I started this; I suppose that's why they call it the forgotten war. I found it in a search for Korean War historical fiction for my daughter to read this year to supplement her history curriculum. She will definitely be reading this when we get to the Korean War. I don't want to spoil the story so I won't say much, but this book brought joy, sadness, heart stopping fear, and laughter.
CC: death/war/bombs/violence (some of the ways people died were horrible--falling off the top of a moving train, trampled by a mob of desperate refugees, frozen to death falling in a river--and the story doesn't go into graphic detail, but if you have a sensitive child I think you'd want to preview it), family separation, harsh treatment for being a daughter instead of a son, bodily functions mentioned but not in a funny way, stealing
I didn't know much about the Korean War when I started this; I suppose that's why they call it the forgotten war. I found it in a search for Korean War historical fiction for my daughter to read this year to supplement her history curriculum. She will definitely be reading this when we get to the Korean War. I don't want to spoil the story so I won't say much, but this book brought joy, sadness, heart stopping fear, and laughter.
CC: death/war/bombs/violence (some of the ways people died were horrible--falling off the top of a moving train, trampled by a mob of desperate refugees, frozen to death falling in a river--and the story doesn't go into graphic detail, but if you have a sensitive child I think you'd want to preview it), family separation, harsh treatment for being a daughter instead of a son, bodily functions mentioned but not in a funny way, stealing
blogginboutbooks's review
5.0
I've never read a novel set during the Korean War, so I was excited to read BROTHER'S KEEPER. Like most war books, it tells a heart-breaking, harrowing tale. The storytelling gives the novel a very personal feel, probably because it was inspired by the author's mother's real-life experience escaping North Korea during the war. Lee creates an atmospheric setting that feels bleak and desperate, helping the reader really FEEL what the characters are going through. Sora is a sympathetic character, one who's admirable for her loyalty and bravery while remaining relatable because of her very human frustrations and jealousy. All of these elements work together in perfect harmony to create a vivid, intimate, and moving reading experience. Although BROTHER'S KEEPER is undeniably sad, it's also illuminating and hopeful. Kids might not be drawn to these types of novels, but I sure am. I'd give this one 4 1/2 stars if I could - since I can't, I'm rounding up.
paperbacksandpines's review
4.0
I've read many nonfiction books about North Korean defectors but I haven't read many fiction books about people living in North Korea, especially middle grade fiction books. This book has a very watered down view of what life is like for people living in North Korea but for a middle grade reader, it would be a great introduction to the topic.
As well as themes of loyalty, collectivism, and poverty, there's also an emphasis on obedience and perfection that the main character found it hard to live up to.
This is a great book!
As well as themes of loyalty, collectivism, and poverty, there's also an emphasis on obedience and perfection that the main character found it hard to live up to.
This is a great book!
maryehavens's review
5.0
This book was so good AND it was Juliette's "Blind Date with a Book". She wanted to read it as a family read.
The peril that Sora and Youngsoo went through, the heartbreak of desperation, the tragedy of war, it's all here. The fact that Lee did her research and drew upon her own mother's experience made the book even better. Definitely not a book that I would have found but for Blind Date with a Book. :)
I especially loved the inclusion of photographs of Lee's mother at the end, the glossary of Korean words, the Korean War timeline, and the Author's Note. So much authenticity. The only thing missing is a beautiful bibliography but it's a juvenile fiction work so I can see why it's not there.
This book also gave me leverage to experience bibimibab for the first time. The kids enjoyed our Korean food adventure and they are adverse to new experiences. My heart is full :)
The peril that Sora and Youngsoo went through, the heartbreak of desperation, the tragedy of war, it's all here. The fact that Lee did her research and drew upon her own mother's experience made the book even better. Definitely not a book that I would have found but for Blind Date with a Book. :)
I especially loved the inclusion of photographs of Lee's mother at the end, the glossary of Korean words, the Korean War timeline, and the Author's Note. So much authenticity. The only thing missing is a beautiful bibliography but it's a juvenile fiction work so I can see why it's not there.
This book also gave me leverage to experience bibimibab for the first time. The kids enjoyed our Korean food adventure and they are adverse to new experiences. My heart is full :)
bechug's review
4.0
This book was just heartbreaking but it gave me a better perspective of what it might be like to be a refugee during a very scary and difficult time.
rikkir77's review
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
lamilovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Oh yeah I'm in absolute shambles.
The attachment I feel to Sora is unreal and I had to put the book down several times because I was so anxious about what would happen next.
I can't remember where I got this recommendation from but it's literally now one of my top reads for the year.
The attachment I feel to Sora is unreal and I had to put the book down several times because I was so anxious about what would happen next.
I can't remember where I got this recommendation from but it's literally now one of my top reads for the year.