For children grappling with injustice or change, this powerful story shows how one girl and her family find immense courage, resilience, and hope while seeking freedom in war-torn Korea.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is ready to understand the human cost of war, oppression, and the fight for freedom. It is a powerful choice for exploring themes of resilience and cultural identity through a historical lens. Set in North Korea at the end of World War II, this semi-autobiographical novel follows ten-year-old Sookan as her family endures the cruelty of first the Japanese and then the Russian communist occupation. The story highlights the unbreakable bonds of family and the incredible courage it takes to risk everything for a chance at a better life. Due to its intense themes of loss, peril, and cruelty, it is best suited for mature middle-grade readers who can process challenging historical realities with parental guidance.
A beloved grandfather dies from illness and heartbreak. The scene is emotionally impactful.
ViolenceModerate
Scenes of occupying soldiers threatening and physically harming civilians.
Racism & DiscriminationModerate
Depicts the systematic cultural and political oppression of Koreans by occupying forces.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and realistically with war, political oppression, starvation, cruelty, and the death of a beloved grandparent. The author's semi-autobiographical approach makes these themes feel immediate and personal, not metaphorical. The resolution is hopeful, as Sookan reaches freedom, but also deeply realistic, acknowledging the immense trauma and the family members she is forced to leave behind. The focus is secular, centering on the human spirit and familial love.
Ideal Reader
A mature, empathetic reader aged 10-13 with an interest in history and the emotional capacity for intense, sad themes. This book is for the child who asks big questions about injustice and wants to understand the real-life experiences behind historical events. It is especially resonant for children exploring their own family's history of immigration or displacement.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview this book. Key scenes include Captain Narita's acts of cruelty (destroying the family's sacred tree), the quiet and emotional death of Grandfather, and the entire escape sequence, which is fraught with peril. Providing historical context on the Japanese occupation of Korea and the post-war division is highly recommended to help a child process the events. A parent has noticed their child showing curiosity about war, refugees, or world history. The child might ask, "Why do people have to leave their homes?" or "What was it really like during the war?" after seeing a news story or learning about WWII in school.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will connect strongly with Sookan's personal journey: her fear, her love for her family, and the adventure of the escape. An older reader (11-13) will better grasp the complex political landscape, understanding the devastating shift from one oppressor to another and the global forces that led to Korea's division. They will see it as a powerful commentary on freedom and tyranny.
What Makes It Special
This book's unique power comes from its specific, underrepresented historical perspective: the Korean experience of transitioning from Japanese colonial rule to Soviet occupation. As a semi-autobiographical novel, it offers an authentic, personal, and unflinching account that feels more immediate and raw than many other historical fiction titles for this age group.
Read plot summary
Ten-year-old Sookan lives in North Korea under oppressive Japanese rule in 1945. When WWII ends, the Japanese leave, but the family's joy is short-lived as Russian communist forces occupy their town, imposing new, harsh restrictions. With her father in the resistance and older brothers in labor camps, Sookan, her mother, and younger brother decide their only hope is a perilous escape across the 38th parallel to American-controlled South Korea. The story chronicles their struggle for survival and their harrowing journey to freedom.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Grandfather tells Sookan, 'To lose a name is to lose your soul.' Why was it so important for the family to hold onto their Korean names and traditions under Japanese rule?
2
When the Japanese surrender, the family celebrates with hidden silks and white rice. How did this short period of freedom contrast with what came next under the Russians?
3
During the escape, Sookan's mother must make a terrible choice to keep her baby, Inchun, quiet so they won't be discovered. What do you think of her decision? Was there a right or wrong answer in that moment?
4
The title is 'Year of Impossible Goodbyes'. Who and what did Sookan and her family have to say goodbye to over the course of the story?
5
At the end of the book, Sookan is in South Korea, but she is separated from much of her family. How can an ending be both hopeful and sad at the same time?
