In Dorchester, New York, Kevin is doing his homework when suddenly an arrow comes out of nowhere and pins his baseball cap to the wall. The man who shot the arrow claims he fell off a tiger . . . and wound up in Kevin’s room. It’s not long before Kevin realizes that the man, who calls himself Chu-mong, or Great Archer, is no ordinary burglar, but a traveler from far away in both space and time.

A visit to the local museum confirms that there was a king named Chu-mong in ancient Korea who was legendary for many accomplishments, including exceptional skill with bow and arrow. Kevin knows little about his own Korean heritage, but he understands that unless Archer returns to his people and his throne, history will be changed forever. And he’s determined to help Archer go back, no matter what it takes.

Award-winning novelist Linda Sue Park has created a funny and suspenseful adventure, incorporating intriguing bits of Korean history and lore, that will captivate even reluctant readers and will add to her audience of devoted fans. Author’s note.

"Park's (A Single Shard) novel, set in 1999, is part history lesson, part martial arts adventure; it begins with a rather shaky premise but quickly pulls in readers. Twelve-year-old Kevin, a Korean-American math whiz who dislikes social studies ('Names and dates and places from ages ago. Boring, boringer, boringest'), is shocked to discover an arrow — and the archer who took its aim — in his bedroom one afternoon. The intruder identifies himself as 'Koh Chu-mong, Skillful Archer,' and Kevin nicknames him 'Archie.' A search on the Internet reveals that Archie was born in 55 B.C. and founded the Koguryo kingdom (now Korea); he explains his chronological detour to Kevin: 'I lost my balance, fell off the tiger, and landed here.' Kevin raises the same questions that readers may have ('Fell off a tiger? Who was this guy?'). But the logistics soon take a back seat to Kevin's breakneck mission to discover enough details about Archie to return the king to his own place and time. Along the way, popular folktales about this Korean hero come to light, and a credible friendship grows between man and boy. The conclusion wraps hastily, and supporting characters, including a museum curator and Kevin's parents come off sketchily. But the relationship between Kevin and Archie, and their race against the clock (with the Chinese Zodiac and Kevin's math skills both playing a part) to set things right will keep the pages turning. Ages 9-13." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"...an exciting novel for male readers, both reluctant and engaged." KIRKUS REVIEWS

"An exciting novel for male readers, both reluctant and engaged."

"The relationship between Kevin and Archie, and their race against the clock...will keep the pages turning."

The Newbery Medal-winning author of "A Single Shard" delivers a funny and suspenseful adventure, incorporating intriguing bits of Korean history and lore that will captivate even reluctant readers.

Linda Sue Park is the author of the Newbery Medal book A Single Shard, many other novels, several picture books, and most recently a book of poetry: Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems). She lives in Rochester, New York, with her family, and is now a devoted fan of the New York Mets. For more infromation visit www.lspark.com.