Seesaw Girl

I love Linda Sue Park’s writing because she always take an event or time period when something horrible or something different from today’s culture occurs and makes it a great story. I gave this one four stars because I did not feel as if it was as fleshed out as some of her other works, but I admit that I would find that hard to do when I am just focused on a girl who must learn to be content within the same courtyard everyday of her life until she is married. I guess I just wished that there was a bigger change due to the main character’s actions. However, as she finally learns contentment, I am content too with the ending that provides such a satisfying metaphor as she see-saws with her sibling. For a moment she sees past her barrier and is able to tell a tale about what she saw that gives her contentment.

It is a wonderful, understated tale about a young girl's coming of age in traditional, 17th century Korea. She's from a privileged family so our understanding of Korea is from her perspective, with glimpses of different parts of the culture. It's not an exciting adventure story; the setting is the main character, even more than the protagonist. It presents a very nice view of a distant culture for those of us in the twenty-first century. It reads well for older kids (upper elementary and above). If you are a Korean-American or have friends who are, this tale will shed insight for youngsters (and oldsters, too) about the background that cradled today's K-pop world.

My daughter really liked this book but my only qualm (and it's a very minor thing and just a personal thing) is that I wish they would have used real Korean names. I also wish they could have certain parts written in Korean too but then again, I understand the author wanted to appeal to a wider audience. All in all, this is a very good children's book and I would recommend it!

Another book for a student. Friend was asking to sponsor a student from her class and give books to the student. I wanted her to learn a little about my culture history and this book was perfect

This is a wonderfully written book, well-researched and progressive in its message for young girls. It's short and well-priced. I wish there were more books like this.

Very short but ok story

The following review was written by my eleven year old daughter: "I really liked the book. I think there should be a sequel to the book. I give this 5 stars because I liked every part of this story."

Not her best but it was OK.

We enjoyed the story which gave us great insight into the lives of nobility in Korea in 1800's but were a little disappointed with the ending. Linda Sue Park is a great writer but nothing beats our favourite book of hers... A single shard

Haven't had a chance to read it yet, but have read the Kite book by same author and that was most unusual.