tag YA

Aloha, My Mothers

“Painfully, happily, and with passion, I will overcome life’s waves and survive.” A heart-warming story about family as told by three women The main character of Aloha, My Mothers is an 18-year-old girl name Willow who lives in a small village in Gimhae, Gyeongsang Province during the Japanese occupation. Because Willow’s father, who was a soldier in the Righteous Army, died fighting the Japanese Empire, her mother has had to raise Willow and her younger brother by herself. Despite being a yangban (aristocrats of the Joseon dynasty), Willow is unable to go to school or study like her brother because she is a girl. Then one day, a matchmaker comes with an offer for marriage. The marriage proposal, however, is for a picture marriage: a type of marriage that existed during the Japanese occupation in which Korean women were sent to Hawaii after only exchanging pictures with Korean men who immigrated there for work. Women in their teens and twenties who were married off under such circumstances were called “picture brides.” Willow, Hong-ju, and Song-hwa are the names of the three picture brides of this story—women who stood in line at the immigration office, planning on immigrating to Hawaii in hopes of a better life. But different fates await each of these three women, who bravely crossed the Pacific Ocean, leaving behind their home and their parents in search of a better life. Hong-ju, who dreams of a marriage of “natural love,” meets a man who looks twenty years older than his picture; Song-hwa, who wants to escape from her life of ridicule as the granddaughter of a shaman, meets a lazy drunkard. And then there’s Willow, whose 26-year-old groom, Taewan, looks just as he did in his picture. But the excitement of coming to a faraway foreign land and marrying a new person is short-lived. Taewan, who still has feelings for his first love, is unable to open up to Willow. Then, Willow’s friend Hong-ju, whom with together Willow travelled to Hawaii from their hometown, leaves Willow for a different region of Hawaii. Worse yet, not only is Willow severely discriminated against by the White managers of the sugarcane field, she is also treated poorly by Japanese immigrants because she is from Joseon, a colony of the Japanese Empire. And just like that, Willow, who had hopes of studying in Hawaii and sending money back to Korea, is met with the hard reality of life as an immigrant. Even after putting down this book, readers’ ears will continue to ring with the voices of three women who loved, stuck together, and put down roots in a foreign land.

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_Adults, Changbi Books_YA, Changbi Books_Adults > Fiction, Changbi Books_YA > Fiction
A Bird Strike

The brilliant evolution of South Korean young adult fiction! “Keep an eye on me even if it’s scary because this is our flight” A way to embrace the whole world with small wings For fans of Gu Byeong-mo’s prose fiction who wish to confirm new achievements in South Korean young adult novels, a work that is not to be missed has been published. Beloved by readers ranging from adolescents to adults for a prolific series of works including Bruised Fruits, A Spoonful of Time, Your Neighbor’s Dinner Table, and Only One Sentence, the writer once again invites readers to an overwhelming fantasy world with A Bird Strike, her newly published novel. A tour de force that took more than seven years from conception in 2011 to the completion of the first draft, this work is all the more meaningful and welcome because it has been published in the year that marks the 10th anniversary of her first novel, The Wizard Bakery. A Bird Strike is a young adult novel that, starting with conflicts between a race of winged people and human urbanites, recounts the growth of the protagonists who, though born as humble and insignificant beings, come to confront the world. The author has broadened the horizons of South Korean literature with her superb sensibility, unique imagination, and outstanding narrative skills. If her debut work, The Wizard Bakery (published by Changbi), has laid the foundation of young adult novels in the country, A Bird Strike, with its fantasy element of winged people and dramatic development akin to cinema, allows readers to confirm the evolution and current status of the nation’s young adult fiction. “A man is standing in the moonlight with his wings spread wide. He is a winged man” (p. 7). The moment readers open the book and read these sentences, they will already be on a flight that can end only when they reach the last page with no breaks. The story begins in earnest with a scene where Vio, a protagonist, is caught in the city hall building. One day, the winged people living in the highlands fly all the way to the city and attack the city hall building. Born with wings smaller than those of his peers, Vio has insufficient flying capacity. As a result, he is captured caught by human urbanites immediately after the attack and confined in the city hall building. He is then visited by Lu, a young city resident, whom the winged being then takes as a hostage and thereby escapes successfully, returning together to the highlands. Why have the winged people attacked the city? What lies before Lu, now transferred to the highlands? As the long history of antagonism between the winged men and human urbanites and the secrets behind it are revealed grippingly, the growth of these small beings is presented movingly as they walk and fly together and heal one another.

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_Adults, Changbi Books_YA, Changbi Books_Adults > Fiction, Changbi Books_YA > Fiction
Stars, Cats, and Us

A story of a special friendship where people are connected to one another as multiple stars are linked into single constellations A Bildungsroman depicting the tale of 18-year-old boys and girls This work portrays the special friendship among Se-min, Ji-u, and Yu-rin, who first meet at the Constellation Music Camp during winter vacation and become close, opening their hearts to one another. Noteworthy is the author’s skill in beautifully unfolding the protagonists’ secrets and disparate personalities by linking them to constellations and piano melodies. He also reflects at an inviting pace the subtle emotional changes of adolescents as they grow from childhood into adulthood. The process through which the characters befriend others, share their hearts, and are empowered by their relationships amidst sensitive descriptions of light and sounds and a narrative as relaxed and tranquil as flowing water reflects the truth that relationships are very precious in themselves. As such, this work will gently soothe and seep into readers’ hearts. “Welcome to the Constellation Music Camp” Into the ambience of the night, when you somehow want to reveal secrets This novel begins by conveying the stories of Se-min and Ji-u by turns. Though a promising pianist, Se-min can no longer play the instrument due to odd noises in his ears, which engulf him in despair. Working under the more ordinary goal of going on to the university, Ji-u likewise is on edge due to strange light that flickers before her eyes. Thus tormented in their respective ways, the two teenagers come to join the Constellation Music Camp during winter vacation. After happening to choose Se-min in “writing a letter to my star,” a game similar to “your secret friend,” Ji-u comes to observe him carefully. At the same time, her attention is continuously drawn also to Yu-rin, a loner of a girl who seems to look at her stealthily.

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_YA, Changbi Books_YA > Fiction
The Sky is So Clear

Lies which makes us feel uneasy! Can Moon-Gi be proud of himself under the clear sky? The book, ‘The Sky is So Clear’, written by Hyun, Duk, the frontier of Korean youth novels, is finally published as the series of ‘the first meeting of novel’ with its 11 volumes. The book contains two stories in one book – ‘The Sky is So Clear’, the story of a boy named Moon-Gi, who feels upset after secretly spending all the money he has gained by accident, and ‘Sweet Potatoes’, the story of a boy named Gi-Soo, who happens to be suspicious about his classmate after their sweet potato garden was ruined by somebody. The illustrator, Lee, Ji Yeon, helps contemporary readers feel deeply touched by expressing the background in 1930s and 1940s in a friendly way. She also has been selected as ‘The Illustrator of This Year’ in Bologna Children’s Book Fair, 2018. The life of my mother who raised me by working for a noodle store for 20 years The title story, ‘The Sky is So Clear’, is about a boy named Moon-Gi, who lives with his uncle, because of his poor family. One day, he gains a lot of money unexpectedly while doing some errands to help his aunt. He has spent all the money to buy toys and comic books with his friend, Soo Man, and he feels so upset and nervous. Furthermore, he even makes another trouble because of his friend, Soo Man, so his worries are getting bigger and bigger. Respect and belief in our kids just as they are The main character, Gi Soo, of another book, ‘Sweet Potato’, one day finds out that someone ruined their sweet potato garden in school. Someone has stolen and eaten sweet potatoes. All the friends in his class point out Soo Man, who is poor, as a thief, but Gi Soo wants to protect Soo Man. Since he wants to stay with Soo Man as a friend who used to be close with Soo Man, and since he also believes that we should not suspect anyone just because he or she is poor, he decides to be sided with Soo Man. However, he also cannot help suspecting Soo Man in the end.

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_Children, Changbi Books_YA, Changbi Books_YA > Fiction, Changbi Books_Children > Fiction_Age 8-10, Changbi Books_Children > Fiction_Others (folklore….)
Find Hae! The Idol Kidnapping Incident Resolved through Mathematics

Find Gang Hae by finding the unknown X! A great rescue mission undertaken by middle schoolers from Ganghwa Island through mathematics This book is the latest work by writer An So-jeong, who received the Changbi Prize for Young Adult Books for The Mystery of the Painting Winter Scene (published by Changbi). Having devoted herself to conveying to children and teenagers the fun and charms of mathematics, the author showcases in this volume a gripping detective novel with the topic of mathematical equations. When Gang Hae, the leader of a popular K-pop idol group, disappears without a trace from Ganghwa Island, middle school students from the island set about tracking the missing star. Hints are photographs and math problems left by the singer on a social medium. Where and why did the star post such problems? In the process of following the tale that unfolds non-stop against the backdrop of Ganghwa Island, which has been dubbed a “museum without roofs,” readers will discover the fun of solving equations and become interested in mathematics unawares. As such, this book will serve as a stepping stone helping youngsters easily to go on from primary school mathematics to middle school mathematics. Table of Contents Part 1. The Idol Kidnapping Incident Hae Disappears/The Last Rap and Equations ▷ Dodecahedron’s Story of Mathematics: Linear Equations Part 2. Tartaglia’s Equation and Platonic Solids Mystery Painting: The School of Athens/Euclid’s Figures, Pythagoras’ Equation/Dodecahedron: A Regular Dodecahedron Stone ▷ Dodecahedron’s Story of Mathematics: The History of Equations Part 3. The Mysterious Sheet Music and Numbers Meeting at the Seokmo Bridge/The Day You Are Trapped on Stone Islet/Please Find Me, “FIND ME” ▷ Dodecahedron’s Story of Mathematics: The Use of Signs and the Discovery of Ways of Solving Equations Part 4. The Secret Hidden in the Swallowtail Disappearance in front of a Dolmen/Tracing Hae’s Whereabouts/The Secret Discovered at Swallowtail Pavilion ▷ Dodecahedron’s Story of Mathematics: Simultaneous Equations Part 5. Opening the Secret Chamber A Visit to Turtlehead Village/The Suspicious Two-storied House/Trapped in the Secret Chamber ▷ Dodecahedron’s Story of Mathematics: Quadratic Equations Part 6. Find Hae Finally Meeting Hae/The Truth of the Note at the Dolmen/Rescue Hae: A Record of an Escape from Ganghwa Island ▷ Dodecahedron’s Story of Mathematics: Functions

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_Children, Changbi Books_Children > Fiction_Age 10-13
MUNGCHI AND MAN-DO

A warm-hearted and delightful tale that cheers for animals’ and humans’ subsistence and lives Mr. Choe Man-do and his companion dog Mungchi are inseparable both at home and at his shop. Although the man thinks that he alone can communicate with the canine, his daughter A-yeong, too, seems to be able to connect with the animal. He unwillingly takes care of a family of pigeons that has nested on his rooftop due to A-yeong’s love of the birds. In addition, after being chased by a boar during a mountain hike with the family of his daughter’s friend, Man-do comes to ponder on the hardships faced by beasts that have been driven into a corner by humans. On the other hand, after turning into Mong-gu, a boy, Mungchi the dog appears at A-yeong’s school on a sports day and becomes a star. Man-do is happy because of Mungchi and his family.

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_Children, Changbi Books_Children > Fiction_Age 10-13
Flying on Land

The first collection of works by Jo Hyeon-ju, this volume includes seven unique tales. These stories are noteworthy for depicting adolescents not as passive objects oppressed by school life but as figures with active will and a capacity for praxis, thus conveying healthy and jovial energy to readers. In particular, they make use of novel topics hitherto unaddressed in South Korean young adult prose fiction such as paragliding and scuba diving, thereby expanding teenagers’ spaces outside the home and the school and enabling readers to imagine a new and different kind of joy. The trajectories of oddball protagonists who dream of getting away from daily routines unfold fascinatingly through ingenious narratives, and also notable is the author’s charming sense of humor.

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_YA, Changbi Books_YA > Fiction
『Children’s College』 Series: Children ask and scholars answer

The “Children’s College” series introduces the world of academic learning to children. Selecting basic disciplines that will especially help youngsters to comprehend the world around them such as biology, history, physics, and economics, it promotes an integrative understanding of humans and society. In preparing these volumes, 150 South Korean children in the 5th and 6th years of primary school were surveyed to obtain what they wished to know about the aforementioned fields. Out of the some 400 questions derived, most frequently asked ones as well as those effective for understanding the contents of these disciplines were chosen and handed over to scholars. Biologist Choe Jaecheon, historian Yi Mahn-yol, physicist Oh Se-Jung, and economist Rhee Jeongjeon carefully examined the questions and provided answers tailored to children. Impressed that the youngsters’ questions were more specific and vivid than grownups’ questions, these four researchers presented the fruits of their lifelong study through intriguing anecdotes and analogies so as to respond fully to children’s curiosity. As such, the “Children’s College” series are the results of dialogue and intellectual exchange between youngsters and scholars. Through seemingly irrelevant yet penetrating questions and researchers’ answers reflecting knowledge and insights, the books in this series will enable readers to understand the fundamentals of each discipline and to view diverse social and natural phenomena from a deeper perspective.

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_Children, Changbi Books_Children > Non-fiction
『First Encounters with Prose Fiction』 Series

How can adolescents today, who are increasingly distant from books, access literature comfortably? “First Encounters with Prose Fiction” is Changbi’s new prose fiction series that combines outstanding South Korean short stories and a wealth of illustrations. With intriguing yet brief stories that amount to approximately 100 pages each and charming illustrations, this series will encourage even those who are unaccustomed to reading to approach good contemporary works comfortably. In a situation where the bipolarization of youths’ cultural and literary literacy is increasingly serious, it will provide even those who have given up on books with opportunities to like reading and literature once again and will serve as stepping stones from juvenile literature to prose fiction for adults. 1. 『Ramen Noodles Are Great』 written by Gong Seon-ok, illustrated by Gim Jeong-yun Min-su is dating Yeon-ju without revealing his family’s financial difficulties. In order to buy her a fancy birthday gift, he starts to work part-time at a convenience store. In the end, even if ramen noodles are the only things you eat, love is great as long as there is genuine affection…! 2. 『My Painting of Himalayan Cedars』written by Sung Suk-je, illustrated by Kyo Eun Fonder of soccer than art in his childhood, Baek Seon-gyu has grown up to be a famous painter. However, he harbors a secret that he has not dared tell anyone. This Bildungsroman earnestly depicts the absurdity inherent in choices and life itself. ★ Included in South Korean textbooks 3. 『The Camera That Protects Dreams』 written by Kim Jungmi, illustrated by Yi Ji-hui A-ram takes photographs of a traditional Korean market that is faced with redevelopment. Pledging that she will always watch out for those who undeservedly suffer from hardships, she uses her camera to preserve hope even today. 4. 『The Corn Flight』 written by Bak Sang-gi, illustrated by Jeong-won After meeting with two consecutive traffic accidents, Hyeon-seong is led by the circumstances to tell a lie. Once told, the lie increasingly turns into a knot that cannot be untangled. This story deals with the courage to tell the truth. 5. 『Lim Rod』 written by Bae Mi-ju, illustrated by Kim Sae-hee Hyeon-yeong has been feeling alone ever since her childhood friend Ji-o debuted as a singer. Although she visits her great aunt in the United States during a school vacation, she cannot stop thinking about her now distant friend even there. Hearing of the reason for the girl’s sadness, the grandaunt recounts a tale about Lim Rod. A sensitive story of first love that colored a 16-year-old’s heart then unfolds. 6. 『Bell Peppers on the Green Onion Planet』 written by Bae Myeong-hun, illustrated by Guk Min-ji Previously the harmonious home of people from diverse planets, the Green Onion Planet is suddenly overcast with war clouds. There are problems even with food supply now so that some receive only meat while others receive only vegetables. Will the Green Onion Planet be able to regain peace? 7. 『Someone’s Heart』 written by Gim Min-nyeong, illustrated by “Pai” An inconspicuous student, Gang Me-ri creates a sensation by confessing her love to the boys in her class in succession. Now, there are only two boys who have not been told of the girl’s affection. “Me-ri, what exactly are you feelings?” 8. 『The Move』 written by Jeong So-yeon, illustrated by “Blackham” Together with his family, Ji-hu must move to another planet. Though it is supposedly inevitable, a measure to treat his ill younger sister Ji-hye, the protagonist is resentful of his parents’ decision. It is because a special dream prevents him from Makiyende, his home planet. This science fiction story presents a novel and glittering world. 9. 『In Praise of Gastronomy』 written by Choe Yang-seon, illustrated by “Siho” Because of her mother’s worries about the premature onset of puberty, Ji-su must eat only organic foods. Nevertheless, the girl is happy as long as she can have meals in the same space as Ye-chan. She finally musters courage and confesses her love to the boy, but fails to receive any response. “Ye-chan, don’t you like me?”

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_YA, Changbi Books_YA > Non-fiction
Almonds

Almonds will melt the cold in a society incapable of empathy “A powerful novel that will awaken our capacity for pain and empathy” Here before our eyes is an intriguing novel, more powerful than films and as gripping as television dramas. Recounting the special growth of a boy who is incapable of recognizing emotions, this engrossing work will pique readers’ curiosity from the first page to the last. In addition, as a novel that will have considerable reverberations in an age that has become insensitive to others’ feelings, it masterfully depicts the process through which the characters form relationships with others and empathize with others’ sadness. The dramatic events that unfold like movie scenes and the captivating style will mesmerize readers immediately. The protagonist of Almonds, Yunjae is a unique character who has difficulty recognizing emotions. Unable to read what lies behind others’ words and actions and to feel fear or anger in earnest, he has barely managed to live “ordinarily.” His mother also drills in him pointers for socially appropriate emotional responses such as laughing when others do so and saying, “Thank you” when others do him a favor. A child who sees and interprets everything literally and is scorned as a “monster,” Yunjae loses his entire family one day in a tragic accident and is left alone in this world. At the moment that he thinks he has lost everything, however, Yunjae encounters new personages in his life. They include: Goni, a child who is scarred by a dark past; Dora, a child who, in contrast, has an unblemished sensibility; and Dr. Sim, who wishes to help the protagonist. The story that unfolds between the hero and these characters will prompt readers to ponder once again on both the sheer difficulty and the invaluableness of understanding others’ feelings. Prose fiction writer Gong Seon-ok has evaluated this work as a “novel that gives hope to people like me, who believe, ‘The heart can rule over the mind’” and stated, “contemporary society may be suffering from a collective inability for emotional expression.” Living without time to mourn loss and to take care of their own emotions, readers will have an opportunity to look back on their hearts as they cheer for Yun-jae. The hero’s calm tone paradoxically is more heart-wrenching, and readers will be able to experience a deep and genuine emotional uplift through this work.

Changbi Books, Changbi Books_YA, Changbi Books_YA > Fiction

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