Synopses & Reviews
Set in Sudan, this is a novel that tells two stories–one about a contemporary child who spends her days fetching water, the other about one of this African country's "lost boys." Simply and economically written, this account of the experiences of a young Sudanese refugee is suspenseful, poignant, and personal. The ending, which brings together the two separate narrative strands, is unexpected and moving. Includes a map, an afterword by the "lost boy" on whose story this is based (now living in Rochester, NY), and an author's note.
Synopsis
In Korea in the early 1800s, news from the countryside reached the king by means of signal fires. On one mountaintop after another, a fire was lit when all was well. If the king did not see a fire, that meant trouble, and he would send out his army. Linda Sue Park's first picture book for Clarion is about Sang-hee, son of the village firekeeper. When his father is unable to light the fire one night, young Sang-hee must take his place. Sang-hee knows how important it is for the fire to be lit-but he wishes that he could see soldiers . . . just once. Mountains, firelight and shadow, and Sunhee's struggle with a hard choice are rendered in radiant paintings, which tell their own story of a turning point in a child's life.
Synopsis
A tale rooted in Korean history about family, beauty, and peace.
Linda Sue Park's beautiful picture book is about Sang-hee, son of the village firekeeper.
In Korea in the early 1800s, news from the countryside reached the king by means of signal fires. On one mountaintop after another, a fire was lit when all was well. If the king did not see a fire, that meant trouble, and he would send out his army.
When his father is unable to light the fire one night, young Sang-hee must take his place. Sang-hee knows how important it is for the fire to be lit--but he wishes that he could see soldiers . . . just once.
Mountains, firelight and shadow, and Sunhee's struggle with a hard choice are rendered in Julie Downing's radiant paintings, which tell their own story of a turning point in a child's life.
This moving picture book is from Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park, whose beloved middle grade books include A Single Shard and A Long Walk to Water.
Synopsis
In early 1800s Korea, news from the countryside reaches the king through signal fires. When his father is unable to light the fire one night, young Sang-hee must take his place, in this book by Newbery Medalist Park ("A Single Shard"). Full color.
About the Author
Set in Sudan, this is a novel that tells two stories–one about a contemporary child who spends her days fetching water, the other about one of this African country's "lost boys." Simply and economically written, this account of the experiences of a young Sudanese refugee is suspenseful, poignant, and personal. The ending, which brings together the two separate narrative strands, is unexpected and moving. Includes a map, an afterword by the "lost boy" on whose story this is based (now living in Rochester, NY), and an author's note."There have been several books about the lost boys of Sudan for adults, teens, and even for elementary-school readers. But [this] spare, immediate account, based on a true story, adds a stirring contemporary dimension. . . . Young readers will be stunned by the triumphant climax."
Booklist, starred review "[This] spare, hard-hitting novel delivers a memorable portrait of two children in Sudan. . . . Tragic and harrowing."
Publishers Weekly, starred review"Two narratives intersect in a quiet conclusion that is filled with hope."School Library Journal, starred review
"This powerful dual narrative packs suspense and introspection into Park's characteristic spare description; while there are lots of details offered to the reader, they come not in long, prosaic lines but in simple, detached observations. Both Salva's and Nya's stories are told with brutal, simple honesty, and they deliver remarkable perspective on the Sudanese conflict. The novel's brevity and factual basis makes the reality of life in Sudan very accessible, and readers will find both the story and the style extremely moving."The Bulletin
"Park simply yet convincingly depicts the chaos of war and an unforgiving landscape. . . . A heartfelt account."Kirkus Reviews
"Brilliant. . . . A touching narrative about strife and survival on a scale most American readers will never see."BookPage
"Riveting."The Horn Book "[A] fast, page-turning read. . . . A great book for high school students and an important novel for young adults who enjoy learning about other world cultures."VOYA
Linda Sue Park is the author of Newbery Medal titleA Single Shardas well as numerous other novels, picture books, and poetry. She lives in Rochester, NY, with her family, and has a friend who was one of Sudan's "lost boys." His story was the inspiration for this book.