When My Name Was Keoko

When My Name Was Keoko is a great book about family and the troubles of being under Japanese rule and having WWII happening. One of the best parts about this book is how enjoyable it is for young readers and how it helps them learn about history in a fun way. This book spans five years and features two main characters, Sun-Hee and Tae-Yul, who struggle with the new Japanese laws and have to hide their Korean culture. If you want a fun book for your kids to read, I recommend this. Hopefully, you read this and enjoy it as much as me.

My youngest child is adopted from Korea. Linda Sue Park has written wonderful books which allow him a window into the history of his birth country. I am eternally grateful. When My Name Was Keoko is one of my favorite books for kids of all time. Beautifully written and covering an era of history that most people in the West do not realize existed, this book wraps history in an engaging story. Impossible even for this adult to put down. Thank you so much.

This is the story of five years in the life of a Korean family during the Japanese occupation of their homeland at the beginning of WWII. They were determined to maintain their Korean identity under the noses of the Japanese soldiers who intended to destroy their nation. All Koreans were forced to adopt Japanese names--hence the title: Kim Sun-hee became Keoko during this time. Set in Korea from 1940 to 1945, the story is told alternately by the 10-year old daughter and her 13 year old brother. There are elements of stifled celebration, pathos, great courage, suspense and a satisfying ending. The author's note is informative. Portions of the story come from her own family, and she recounts other examples of Japanese domination of the Korean people. She also includes a bibliography for further reading. I really liked the book (and I am an old lady!). It's a piece of history that I knew nothing about--I have the impression that the Japanese were trying to do to Korea what Germany tried to do the the Jews! It's worthwhile reading for higher elementary grades and above.

Linda Sue Park is now on my favorite author list. Park uses alternates between Sun-Hee's and her brother's, Tae-Yul, POV during the Japanese Occupation of Korea. While watching their parents, uncle, and other adults in their lives, Sun-Hee and Tae-Yul still see the world as children and ask many questions. They've known they are Korean, but have only lived with the Japanese Occupation. Sun-Hee knows there are secrets to keep away from Japanese ears, but struggles to understand the struggles the family is going through. This book is written as a middle-grade novel, but YA and adults will enjoy this book as well. Linda Sue Park is descriptive in her writing, and she brings the characters, Korea, and its customs to life. For readers who know little about Korea before and during the WWll, When My Name was Keoko will spark an interest in learning more.

I am an Instructional Assistant elementary special ed and I keep seeing this book in the hallways. (Yes not just one but many). I decided to read it, and it was worth it! I feel like I have more knowledge about the Korean culture, and history then I did before.

I purchased the book for my grandchildren but read it first so we could discuss it after they had read it. I think they will enjoy the story; it is easy to read and is told in both the sister and brother's voices in each chapter. It provides a good, easy to understand, if limited, idea of Korea prior to and during WWII. Courage is portrayed in different ways by all the characters and will provide many opportunities to discuss with your young reader the meaning of courage, family unity, obligations to family and community and how easy it is to misunderstand someone and their intentions if we rely only on our assumption of them.

This is an historical fiction book with historically accurate information about the Japanese occupation of Korea, explaining how families suffered during that time (prior to the ending of WW11). It is an interesting read and appropriate for ages 10 and up, in my opinion. It is a good way to engage students with history and create an interest in ongoing issues resulting from that time period.

I have bought and read a number lf Linda Sue Parker books and passed them on to my granddaughter. A Long Walk to Water, AMAZING, REALLY AMAZING READ !. I bought 6 copies and gave them to all my grandchildren and they all learned and loved THE WALK TO WATER. This book looked interesting so I bought a copy for my speed reading granddaughter...Her mother was born in Japan and I just cannot give her this book. Her mom (my daughter in law) is a Canadian Citizen now and proud of it. She is not proud of the happenings of Japan in many ways long before my daughter in law was born. I just think this could be too much for a young impressionable reader with any kind of mixed parentage or background. Simple warning. I love Linda's writing, but this one was better for older readers....

This book is one of the best books I have read. It truly brought tears to my eyes. The way the author has captured the emotions of the characters is amazing. Has a great plot, dramatic twist and amazing ending. I would not suggest this book to younger readers as it has some heavy themes. Overall, an amazing book.

1940年、日本の占領下にある朝鮮のある一家。10歳の妹sun-heeと13歳の兄tae-yulは、大変な生活を強いられながらも両親と叔父さんの5人で明るく元気に暮らしている。しかし、戦争が日本にとって不利な状況になってきた頃、sun-heeのちょっとした勘違いから大問題が起きる。そして、兄のtae-yulは命をかけて家族を守ろうと決意する。 私達日本人にとって日韓併合は重い現実ですが、物語の主眼は飽くまで2人が前向きに生きる姿に置かれています。題名のKEOKOは、sun-heeの日本名で、おそらくキョウコか、キヨコなのでしょう。子供を持つ親にとって、理不尽な戦争によって小さな胸を痛めるsun-heeの姿は、抱きしめて「だいじょうぶだよ」と言ってあげたくなるほどです。

It's really good book my daughter loved it

Was a gift to someone

This book is a great read, loved every page it's based on the accounts of both the sister and brother which I loved and taught me more about Korea as a whole during World War 2 worth the read definitely!