Featured books by Linda Sue Park
Linda Sue Park started writing at a very early age. Her talent for poetry is evident in her work, as is her interest in her Korean heritage. She continues to write for a range of readers from young children to young adults, introducing readers to various times, places, and people. She was awarded a Newbery Medal in 2002.
A Long Walk to Water
When rebel soldiers attack his village in Sudan, 11-year-old Salva flees the violence, beginning a dangerous walk toward a crowded refugee camp in Ethiopia, then on to new life in Rochester, New York. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Nya spends her days in Sudan looking for scarce supplies of fresh water for her family. Based on the true story of Sudanese "Lost Boys" who came to the U.S. in the mid-1990s.
A Single Shard
Tree Ear, a homeless orphan, longs to work as a potter, a respected but competitive employment — especially for a boy who lives under a bridge. Set in 12th century Korea, this Newbery Medal winning novel is as relevant as if it were taking place today. (2002 Newbery Medal Winner)
Archer's Quest
Chu-Mong, legendary leader of ancient Korea, suddenly appears — in the flesh! — in 12-year old Kevin's bedroom in his contemporary Dorcester, New York, home. Humor and tension build as ancient and modern come together in order to get Chu-Mong back to his own time and to take his rightful place in history.
Bee-Bim Bop!
What's better than just eating a favorite dish? Anticipating it while preparing it, of course! Rhythmic, rhyming language and playful illustrations capture the joy of making this special Korean dish — and the joy of sharing it.
Country of origin: Korea
Firekeeper's Son
When Sang-Hee's father cannot send the signal that no enemies are in sight, Sang-Hee must get the coals to light the fire on the mountaintop. Based on an actual signal system used in 19th century Korea, illustrations and fluid text create a riveting story that enlivens history. An author's note provides more detail. Watch Park read an excerpt in our Meet the Author interview with her!
Gondra’s Treasure
Dragons from the East are significantly different from those of the West. But Gondra is the offspring of a dad from the East and a mother from the West and has characteristics from both. Lush, often humorous illustrations complement the story and show characterizations of both eastern and western dragons.
Keeping Score
Nine year old Dodgers fan Maggie and firefighter Jim bond over their mutual love of baseball. When Jim is drafted and returns from Korea traumatized and barely responsive, Maggie is determined to bring him back to his old self. A sensitive and artful work about grief and hope.
Kite Fighters
It takes great skill to be a kite fighter as Kee-sup and Young-sup know well. The brothers have different talents; the older boy makes kites easily while Young-sup flies them with a sure hand. Loyalty, tradition and rivalry between the boys are themes in this riveting novel set in 15th century Korea.
Mung-Mung: A Fold-Out Book of Animal Sounds
Do animals say the same things world over? Readers find out when they fold out flaps that people around the world hear different sounds when animals speak. Playful illustrations in an engaging format introduce young children to different ways of expression and the various ways animal sounds are interpreted in these companion books.
Prairie Lotus
After the death of Hanna’s mother, she and her father head to the Dakota Territory looking to start anew. But can a girl with a Chinese mother and a white father overcome the odds against them? The Newbery Medalist again presents rich historical fiction with an afterword that describes the genesis of this powerful story.
Project Mulberry
Free spirited Julia and her inquisitive friend Patrick are raising silk worms for the county fair — a project that's a little too 'Korean' for all-American Julia's tastes. The story, heavily influenced by first-generation American Park's youth, is framed by entertaining 'conversations' between author and protagonist. A fun and funny story about prejudice, acceptance, and how to find a good source of Mulberry leaves.
Seesaw Girl
Jade longs to see the world beyond the walls of her family's household. But Jade lives in 17th century Korea, where girls and women are restricted. When she figures out a way to get to the outside world, Jade's observations and experiences reveal a different time and place, but also dreams and wishes that contemporary readers will recognize.
Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems)
Like haiku, sijo – a little known, brief poetic form from Korea – looks at everyday activities from breakfast to the weather. Sophisticated illustrations complement the seemingly simple language to delight readers and listeners.
What Does Bunny See? A Book of Colors and Flowers
As a small gray rabbit hops through a garden, she sees a variety of flowers and a range of colors. Each color and flower is named in rhyming verse, and text encourage readers to guess what comes next.
Yaks Yak: Animal Word Pairs
Sometimes animal names are also verbs. See what happens when “Bats bat” or “Slugs slug” in each vivacious, double page spread. The definition of the verb is included for each pairing. Additional information (including etymology) on the animal names and verbs is appended.
Yum! Yuck! A Foldout Book of People Sounds
No matter where they're from, people the world over share many emotions — though the way those feelings are expressed sounds a bit different in different places. In this companion to Mung-Mung, the sounds humans make when happy or exasperated are shown through clear illustration and interesting sounds.
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