My Freedom Trip

Living in a world of pink petals, pagodas, school days, rice paddies, best friends, and glistening quartz stones, Soo is growing up in Korea in the time when there no line separates the North from the South. But the day came when that line was drawn and one by one her friends began disappearing from the classroom. What an eerie feeling. Then, the night comes when Soo's father tells her he is going to flee to South Korea with the help of a man named Mr. Han who will be his guide. Soo does not want her father to go but he assures her that once he is safe, Mr. Han will return for Soo and then for Soo's mother so they can in turn, make their freedom trip. Days pass and then the tap comes at the door. Soo goes with this man she does not know and together in the darkness they ride a train, climb a mountain and face an armed soldier. Soo's mother sent her off with the words, "Be brave, Soo," They were the last words she ever spoke to her daughter. The bravery, the love, the determination to find a better life are quietly, gently emanate from this inspiring story and the anxiety of the illustrations grips you as you follow their courageous journey. 32 pages (Coming out in paperback August 2010) Ages 6-10