Kids' Books by Korean Americans *
Please click on the author websites for more information—and more books!
This KiBooka page is a source of great happiness for me. When my career began more than 20 years ago, there were very few creators of Korean ancestry publishing in the U.S.—it would have been a forlorn page indeed! I’m excited about the talented writers and artists whose books are now available, and hope you will enjoy learning about them and their work. —Linda Sue Park
* and Korean diaspora
“… an affecting story of Jennifer’s fears and joys when her Korean halmoni, or grandmother, flies from her peaceful village to take part in a school Grandparents’ Day program. … Halmoni captivates her audience, as she will the audience for this stellar debut.”
“All together now: Food, dance, and music combine for magic that transcends language barriers…Imaginative, irreverent, improvisational fun in kindergarten: Danbi shares a burst of ‘sweet rain,’ complete with a rainbow.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)
“A Where’s Waldo? for lovers of trains and travel, this look-and-find by Brooklyn-based illustrator Kim takes readers into bustling subway systems in 10 of the world’s great metropolises. At each “stop,” we first see the subway station platform and train, with facts and figures about the transportation system. Children will love searching for these beautiful foreign items while indulging in the common kid obsession over locomotives” (Booklist)
“Willow is a timid white rabbit who prefers staying home—an abandoned mailbox—where it’s cozy and quiet. There she sketches and dreams, but her comfortable routine is interrupted when a letter flutters through the mail slot one day. A warm and wondrous adventure for armchair, or high chair, travelers.” (Booklist, starred review)
“Na’s latest offering is exquisite all around. His illustrations are clever and fun, simple and clean, yet multifaceted and layered. Each green carrot top is delightfully wriggly and unique, and the texture of the carrot skin is spot-on. The animals are adorably anthropomorphized and have clear personality.” (School Library Journal, starred review)
Winner, Little Brown New Voices, New World Multicultural Fiction Contest; Smithsonian Notable Book; Notable Children’s Trade Book in Social Studies; Horn Book Magazine Best Holiday Book
Parents Choice Gold Award; “This is an important story, full of drama and emotion and it is here given its proper recognition and tribute in both words and glorious art. Perhaps it will encourage other grandparents to share their family history as well. Masterful.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Simple, cartoon-style digitally colored pencil drawings fill in this story’s narration with illustrated thought bubbles reflecting Rabbit’s ideas for rescue. … Friendship, loyalty, and determination come through in this well-paced exploit.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Ahn’s spare illustrations are the stars of this show, using just a few lines to evoke emotion, drama, and especially humor…Considering how brief the text is, the two dogs leap, lifelike, off the pages, Sunny reserved and just a bit surly and Rosy fired with youthful enthusiasm.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Moving in its statement of human rights . . . Readers will find themselves moved back in time and forward in spirit.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review)
“A moving, suspenseful refugee story, based loosely on the author’s mother’s experiences, the book is at heart a poignant exploration of a girl’s struggle against traditional female roles and her determination to succeed on her own terms.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
“An empowering celebration of identity, friendship, and embracing one’s roots, Yun’s loose reimagining of Great Expectations follows a first-generation Korean-American girl learning to navigate her new life. … #OwnVoices author Yun writes of Korean-American family life with heart- warming, authentic detail.” (Publishers Weekly)
“Filled with a sweet new romance and starring a heroine to root for. Lee finds a spot alongside Jenny Han and Stacey Lee in representing the diversity of Asian American experiences. A joyful protagonist who speaks to Generation Z.” (School Library Journal, starred review)
“Debut author Park’s well-written title slyly infuses what seems like a typical teen romantic comedy with thoughtful treatment of diversity, micro-aggressions, classism and class struggles, immigration, and privilege while capturing the sweetness of two nerds falling for each other… A charming, thoughtful portrayal of complex teen relationships.” (Kirkus Reviews)
A romantic comedy about a Korean-American teen who sells Korean beauty products out of her locker and manages the school’s most successful student enterprise, until the hot new boy gives her a run for her money—leading her to surprising discoveries about first love, family, and herself.
“A beautifully written epic replete with magic, shapeshifting characters, complex political intrigue and the obligatory battles between good and evil … Strong female characters and a helter-skelter plot make for a compelling read.” (The Guardian, Books of the Months Pick)
