I was in Seoul once for a few hours at the airport. I learned much more about Korea from reading these books than from being in the country itself for that short while. In the modern children’s classic A Single Shard (Newbery Medal Book), one can learn about Korean celadon pottery and the painstaking effort it takes to make beautiful vases. In this month’s current book, one can experience even more about Korean culture, from values to food.

Classic
A Single Shard
by Linda Sue Park

While some might see him as a poor orphan who lives under a bridge with Crane-man, 12-year-old Tree-ear aspires to be much more. He silently watches the potter Min make beautiful celadon vases, and wishes he could, too. Intrigued by this master potter’s work, Tree-ear sneaks into Min’s home to admire his work; however, in doing so he breaks one of Min’s boxes and is caught red-handed. Tree-ear must now work for Min to pay for the lost pottery.

Never in his wildest dreams had Tree-ear imagined he would be working for this master potter. Perhaps now he can follow in Min’s footsteps. But when he learns the devastating truth, Tree-ear must do the impossible to make his dream come true.

This novel, set in 12-century Korea, is inspiring and, at times, heartbreaking. The title won the 2002 Newbery Medal as well as other honors. For those who enjoy this story, author Linda Sue Park— the American daughter of Korean immigrants— has written several other award-winning books about Korean children, including The Kite Fighters and Seesaw Girl.

Current
Kimchi and Calamari
by Rose Kent

Kimchi and Calamari (HarperCollins) is a fabulous debut novel, filled with humor and warmth. An adopted Korean boy living with Italian parents, 14-year-old Joseph Calderaro has always felt confused about his heritage. To make matters worse, his social studies teacher has now assigned him a 1500-word essay on his ancestors. Calderaro knows nothing about his birth family, but a ton about his Italian-American parents. From Internet adoption ads to bulgogi (a Korean dish featuring spicy beef), Calderaro discovers many unexpected things in the search for personal identity.

Author Rose Kent, who adopted Korean children of her own, has done an outstanding job writing with the voice of a young teenage boy. This story’s appeal goes far beyond adoption and immigrant fiction. All kids will be able to relate.

New in paperback this March, the title is geared towards both genders and is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Enjoy the same fun sarcasm, minus the Greek gods. Even better, Calderaro is an optimist, a “bag of barbecue chips is half full” kind of guy.

Veronica L. Hernandez is a high school student and lives in Florida. An avid reader, she swims, fences and shops when dragged away from her books. She can be reached at hernandezaldir@gmail.com.