Grade 6 Historical Fiction Research: North Korea

In this photographic alphabet, the author introduces young readers to some of the customs, religion and culture, both ancient and modern, that make up this high-profile country. Focusing on both city and country life from Arirang to Lacquerware to Taekwondo ? this is a celebration of Korea in all its colourful diversity.

North Korea offers complete coverage of this fascinating country, including sections on history, geography, wildlife, infrastructure and government, and culture. It also includes a detailed fact file, maps and charts, and a traceable flag.

Every Falling Star, the first book to portray contemporary North Korea to a young audience, is the intense memoir of a North Korean boy named Sungju who was forced at age twelve to live on the streets and fend for himself. To survive, Sungju creates a gang and lives by thieving, fighting, begging, and stealing rides on cargo trains. Sungju richly recreates his scabrous story, depicting what it was like for a boy alone to create a new family with his gang, "his brothers," to daily be hungry and to fear arrest, imprisonment, and even execution. This riveting memoir allows young readers to learn about other cultures where freedoms they take for granted do not exist.  

Based on the life of the authors' mother, this is the story of her escape from North Korea.

Detailed research and vibrant illustrations inspired by patterns on Korean temples make this Korean version of Cinderella come to life. This retelling is about Pear Blossom, the stepdaughter being chosen by the magistrate to be his wife.